close the gap | annual report 2012 - sustainability reports · in previous annual reports a chapter...
TRANSCRIPT
Chairman's foreword
Referring to the proverb ‘hope springs eternal’ I expected and
hoped last year to start my foreword for this year’s annual report
with a more positive outlook on the situation in Europe. Unfortu-
nately, this is not the case. For the fourth consecutive year the
European Union is suffering under the financial and economic
crisis that started with the bank crash in 2008 in the United States
and that spread like a snowball over the rest of the world, not least
in Europe.
Notwithstanding the fact that the financial and economic situation
in Europe is still critical, the development of Close the Gap in 2012
has fortunately again been above expectation. In fact, compared to
the state of the Belgian and Dutch economies in general, Close
the Gap is doing relatively well. This is mainly due to two reasons.
First of all, the social entrepreneurial concept of Close the Gap is
solid and creates trust and confidence in our donors and strategic
partners. Secondly, I am becoming more and more convinced
that this success is also due to the fact that Close the Gap stands
for sustainability. Our organisation offers a long-term sustainable
solution for the reuse of depreciated high-quality computers
in developing countries. The summary of the activities of Close
the Gap’s daughter organisation WorldLoop, given in Chapter 4,
clearly demonstrate that sustainability is part of our DNA.
Close the Gap not only pays due attention to the sustainability
of the projects it supports in developing countries, but also takes
care of the electronic waste produced when the computers that are
shipped to developing countries finally reach their technical end
of life. To prevent these computers being dumped as e-waste in
landfills, Close the Gap has created a new organisation, WorldPC
(rebranded as WorldLoop since September 2012), and started a
pilot project in Nairobi, where the end-of-life IT assets are recycled
in an environmentally friendly manner. The result is a substantial
extension of our sustainability concept.
At the end of 2012 total assets respective liabilities reached
€5.53 million, which is €40,000 less than in the previous year.
This is explained by the fact that Close the Gap has used some
of the advanced payments from its funders and donors for project
development in East Africa. At the end of the fiscal year we noted
a positive result of €234,089.
Since its creation in 2003 more than 280,000 computer assets
(of which 60,000 in 2012) were donated to Close the Gap and
no less than 86,000 assets were given a sustainable second life
in a developing or emerging country (15,500 in 26 developing
countries in 2012). In 2012 Close the Gap received computers
from 96 donor companies. Over the years more than 2,500
projects in 40 developing countries have been realised. At present
Close the Gap is supported by almost 30 strategic partnerships
that make computers available as well as provide financial support
and in-kind support through their core business. In developing
countries, Close the Gap works closely with 14 service partners.
The services rendered by these partners can comprise inland
transport, importation, technical and pedagogical training,
maintenance and helpdesk services, refurbishing and recycling of
e-waste.
In previous annual reports a chapter on WorldPC was included.
For the first time WorldPC (now WorldLoop) will publish its own
annual report on its activities in 2012. However, a summary of the
key information for Close the Gap’s stakeholders is provided in
this annual report in Chapter 4.
Finally, as chairman of Close
the Gap I would like to express
words of thanks and appreciation
to all our sponsors and strategic
partners for their continued
support, to the members of the Board
of Close the Gap for their active
involvement in the governance
of our organisation and
also to the members of
our staff who run the
day-to-day activities of
Close the Gap in such a
committed and profes-
sional manner.⸏Prof. em. Dr. Wim A.G. Blonk
03
Chairman's foreword
01 👍 whaT we do
02📈 2012 aT a glanCe
03💻 ProjeCTs in develoPing
and emerging CounTries
04 worldlooP: CreaTing an inTegraTed e-wasTe soluTion
Chairman's foreword 03
Bridging The digiTal divide 06
iCT4develoPmenT 08
Close The gaP’s milesTones 10
sTruCTure and organisaTion 12
Close The gaP
and The uniTed naTions 17
faCTs and figures 2012 20
evenTs in 2012 22
ProjeCT overview 2012 30
Phase 1: ColleCTion 34
Phase 2: refurBishmenT 35
Phase 3: ProjeCT seleCTion 36
Phase 4: TransPorT 37
Phase 5: insTallaTion,
mainTenanCe and Training 38
Phase 6: sofTware and exPerTise 40
Phase 7: follow-uP and evaluaTion 41
ProjeCT examPles 42
aBouT e-wasTe 47
aBouT worldlooP 50
oPeraTional model 53
CurrenT ProjeCTs 55
e-resourCe CerTifiCaTe Programme 56
worldlooP’s sTraTegiC ParTners 57
worldlooP’s road ahead 59
05★ ProjeCTs in euroPe
PC solidariTy 61
oTher euroPean ProjeCTs 63
Table of conTenTS
04
06♥ suPPorT Close The gaP?
07🔔 aCCounTaBiliTy
08📎 finanCial rePorT
09 vision of The fuTure
how To suPPorT Close The gaP? 64
Thank you
To our sTraTegiC ParTners 68
Close The gaP’s values 76
80
86
10📞 ConTaCT deTails
88
Table of conTenTS
05
01whaT we do
Close the Gap is an international non-profit organisation that aims to bridge the digital divide by offering
high-quality, preowned computers donated by large and medium-sized corporations or public organisations
to educational, medical, entrepreneurial and social projects in developing and emerging countries. All the projects
are demand-driven and share the common denominator of being non-profit-oriented initiatives.
Bridging The digiTal divide
DTHF Youth Centre, Masiphuleme, South Africa
What We do
👍 06
Bridging The digiTal divide
Access to information and communi-
cation technology (ICT) is essential in
the developing world because it is key to
improving a country’s educational and
economic prospects. However, the cost of
new equipment, limited infrastructure and
the lack of ITknowledge and proficiency
mean that many people still have no access
to IT. Today, information is seen as one of
the major drivers of economic and social
development and ICT makes access to
information available on an unprecedented
scale. From education to healthcare,
entrepreneurship, environment, gender
and good governance – all these require
access to relevant information, and that’s
what Close the Gap is all about.
The digital divide is not only a divide
between people who have access to ICT
and people who don’t. It’s also a divide
between people who have knowledge of
ICT and those who don’t, between people
who realise the opportunities presented by
ICT and those who don’t. It consists of an
infrastructure gap, a knowledge gap and a
psychological gap.
Close the Gap creates a win-win situation
by supplying projects in developing
countries with high-quality refurbished IT
equipment that is donated by companies
and public organisations in Western
countries. Not only does Close the Gap
offer an alternative to just recycling and
life cycle extension, but it also provides
a full service for companies and institu-
tions wishing to reuse their computer
equipment in a socially and environmen-
tally responsible way. Close the Gap offers
highly professional ‘asset recovery services’
to those partners, ensuring a state-of-the-
art logistical refurbishing process that
includes a comprehensive data-erasure
process.
Since 2003, Close the Gap has already
received more than 280,000 computers
from companies and other institutions
all over Europe. Since 2012, American
and Asian companies have joined the
programme as well. After the collection,
Close the Gap arranges for the hard
disks to be cleaned and fully erased via
a unique patented overwriting process1
and the hardware to be checked and
configured according to the requirements
of its end-users. The computers are then
shipped to their new destinations. Close
the Gap adopts a comprehensive approach
by working through local service partners
that take care of the installation and
the maintenance of computers, offer IT
training on-site and ensure the end-of-life
management of the IT assets. When the
computers reach the end of their lives,
Close the Gap’s partners in Eastern Africa
take care of the collection, dismantling
and sustainable treatment of the electronic
waste (e-waste). By using reverse logistics,
the components that cannot be treated in
Sub-Saharan Africa are sent to European
high-tech end-recyclers. The aim is to
extend this system to other regions in
developing countries where Close the Gap
is active.
Today, Close the Gap has supported
more than 2,500 projects all over the
world. However diverse the projects, they
all have one common denominator: a
focus on advancing both the individual
and the community within a spirit of
socio-economical education. By following
this principle, Close the Gap is partici-
pating in the United Nations Millennium
Development Goals.
1 Using Blancco.2 WorldLoop, a brand name of WorldPC vzw/asbl, is a spin-off organisation
created by Close the Gap Int. vzw in 2009 to take care of e-waste from end-of-life hardware in developing countries.
The green PersPeCTive
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle:
By making high-quality and professional refurbished IT equipment available at cost-efficient prices, Close the Gap lengthens the lifespan of e-equipment. A longer lifespan means reuse; reuse means less production of new consumption goods, which means that people can reduce their use of scarce resources and produce less waste. Through WorldLoop2, local partners in Africa can recycle computers once they reach the end of their second life. Some components cannot be treated locally, so they are returned to European high-tech end-recyclers through reverse logistics.
In Africa, local service partners ensure a support
and maintenance programme that guarantees the long-term usability of the computers.
An equal partnership with all stakeholders is a key
value of Close the Gap. Further-more, Close the Gap always works on the basis of a supply-demand equilibrium with its partners in the South.
What We do
👍 07
Bridging The digiTal divide
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is seen as an
enabler for economic and social change in less developed countries
and is even believed to be a catalyst that could help countries to
leapfrog the industrial revolution phase of development, giving less
developed countries the opportunity to catch up quickly with the
Western world. Information and Communications Technology for
Development (ICT4Dev) is about overcoming this digital divide
and creating new opportunities and possibilities for people living
in less developed countries.
Today, Millennium Development Goals (MDG) are widely used
as a framework to structure development activities. Close the Gap
offers tools that are helping the world to achieve the eight MDG,
which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of
HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education, all by the
target date of 2015. By delivering ICT to projects in the South,
Close the Gap helps non-profit organisations and other budget-
limited entities in developing countries to achieve their objectives
directly or indirectly.
iCT4develoPmenT
Misungwi, Tanzania
08
iCT4develoPmenTwhaT we do
👍
“5
3
421
how Close The gaP
helPs To TaCkle The
millenium
develoPmenT goals:Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger:Access to ICT and ICT training can enable
target groups to increase their access to
work and income.
Achieve universal primary education: Implementing ICT in education can have
a big impact on how children are taught,
the amount of information that becomes
available to teachers and students, and the
quality of the education.
Promote gender equality and empower women:A lot of ICT4Dev projects focus specifi-
cally on improving the livelihood of women
by enhancing their skills and creating
new opportunities for their professional
activities.
Improve maternal health:Reduce child mortality, improve maternal
health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and
other diseases. ICT helps by improving
health administration, collecting and
storing health-related data on an individual
basis to improve health services, creating
awareness and distributing information on
important health issues.
Develop a global partnership for development: This development goal states that in
cooperation with the private sector, the
benefits of new technologies – especially
ICT – should be made available to all.Women learn about health at the Medical KnowIedge Institute, South Africa
International Centre for Reproductive Health, Mombasa, Kenya
“ “Kenya, like several other developing countries, is confronted with an immense
digital divide – there is a huge information gap between people who do have access to
information provided through the adoption and use of Information Communi-
cation Technology and those who don’t. And of course, just like in the industrialised
countries, computers are needed in every sector of society to manage output and
improve results. Kenya has embraced ICT and its uptake in the last decade has been
very commendable. We recognise that our current students at various levels in our
educational institutions are the employees of the future! The great thing about ICT is
that it brings more interaction between students worldwide. It’s a fantastic tool that
makes it possible to share and receive new knowledge. Kenya appreciates partnerships
that will add to greater adoption of Information Technology.”
“The great thing about
ICT is that it brings
more interaction
between students
worldwide. It’s a
fantastic tool that
makes it possible to
share and receive new
knowledge.”⸏
Mr. Dan MesisDeputy Secretary of the Ministry of Environment
and Mineral Resources, Kenya
“ICT and the new
technological
developments offer
boundless opportunities
in a worldwide network.
Being able to use ICT
opens a whole new world
to you, on a professional as
well as a private level.” ⸏
Ms. Neelie KroesEuropean Commissioner for Digital Agenda
and Vice-President of the European Commission
Misungwi, Tanzania
What We do
👍 09
iCT4develoPmenT
2001 2003
2011
European Commissioner
Vice-President Neelie Kroes
inaugurates Close the Gap’s
first e-waste centre in
Nairobi (Kenya).
EU Commissioner Ms. Neelie Kroes inaugurates the Recycling Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
2012
Close the Gap celebrates the
donation of its 250,000th com-
puter asset in the Netherlands
in the presence of Archbishop
em. Desmond Tutu.
Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu in Culemborg,Netherlands
New model of local
service partners.
School in Uganda
Close the Gap is recognised as
an official NGO by the United
Nations (UNDPI).
20092010
Close The gaP’s milesTones
Start-up of Close the Gap
as a student “mini-enterprise”
idea at the Vrije Universiteit
Brussel (VUB)
“The Vrije Universiteit Brussel is proud to be a partner of Close the Gap.
As an internationally oriented university in Brussels, every day we experience
the importance of ICT in ensuring high-quality education and research. That
is why we see it as our social responsibility to support initiatives that help to
bridge the fast growing digital divide between Western and developing coun-
tries. Projects such as Close the Gap not only support economic and intel-
lectual development in the South, but they also set a good example of turning
e-waste into sustainable economic resources.”
Official start-up, as a legal entity
of the non-profit organisation
Close the Gap Int. vzw
Mobile computer class
““Projects such as Close
the Gap not only support
economic and intellectual
development in the
South, but they also set a
good example of turning
e-waste into sustainable
economic resources.”⸏
Prof. Dr. Paul De KnopRector Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
What We do
👍 10
Close The gaP's milesTones
2006
2007
Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu refurbishes the 50,000th computer for Close the Gap
Close the Gap celebrates its
50,000th computer in the
presence of Archbishop em.
Desmond Tutu.
WorldPC becomes WorldLoop,
as the pilot project success-
fully evolves into an operational
organisation.
Crown Prince Philippe inaugurates PC Solidarity
Launch of PC Solidarity in
Belgium in the presence of Belgian
Crown Prince Philippe.
Close the Gap becomes
a founding member of the
spin-off WorldPC vzw/asbl.
Belgian Crown Prince Philippe
and Princess Mathilde visit
one of Close the Gap’s projects
supported in Cape Town (South
Africa) with Archbishop em.
Desmond Tutu.Royal mission in South Africa
From left to right: Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde (Managing Director, Close the Gap), Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu, Mr. Roger Dassen (Global Managing Director, Deloitte)
Close the Gap celebrates
its 30,000th computer in the
presence of Archbishop em.
Desmond Tutu.
What We do
👍 11
Close The gaP's milesTones
Organisational and legal structureClose the Gap Int. vzw/asbl3
Registration number: 860353772
VAT Belgium: BE 0860 353 772
VAT The Netherlands: NL 8153.23.062.B01
Registered headquarters and postal addressc/o Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Office & visitor addressKarel Van Miert Building
Pleinlaan 5, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
sTruCTure and organisaTion
3 asbl = Association Sans But Lucratif; vzw = Vereniging Zonder Winstoogmerk
Ms. Sandy Lepage, Mr. Peter Manderick, Ms. Dunia Oumazza, Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde, Ms. Barbara Toorens (WorldLoop), Ms. Joëlle Verriest, Ms. Sophie Colmant, Mr. Thomas Poelmans (WorldLoop) and Ms. Aurélie Dupont.
What We do
👍 12
sTruCTure and organisaTion
Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde4 Founder and Managing Director“Close the Gap has been an adventure since the very beginning, with all
our partners, supporters and friends helping to shape this adventure into a
sustainable journey and constantly striving to excel in their efforts.
Our team’s dedication and the fruitful collaboration with our service partners
is transforming lives by giving people access to ICT.”
Ms. Dunia Oumazza Operations Director (replaces Ms. Aurélie Dupont in 2013)“For me, joining Close the Gap represented fresh air: Autonomy for
beneficiaries’ Innovative projects and Responsibility!”
Mr. Peter ManderickHead of Projects“Being able, from a very young age, to build up ICT skills that are widely
required today and as a consequence enjoy the benefits of ICT in all aspects of
today’s society, I started working at Close the Gap driven by the motivation
to share opportunities with people in less advantaged communities. After
more than six years of developing projects with local partners, I still feel that
our contributions are always highly appreciated by our partners and create a
lasting impact on the lives of the millions that we’ve reached so far.”
Mrs. Sophie ColmantProject Manager“I was looking for a new challenge involving international settings, a multi-
cultural environment and an innovative approach.”
Ms. Joëlle VerriestPR and Communication Officer“It’s amazing to experience our partners’ increasing involvement in corporate
social responsibility despite the difficulties they might encounter economi-
cally. Their eagerness to engage in our project and to involve their employees
demonstrate they really care about people and the planet!”
Ms. Sandy Lepage Management Assistant (replaces Mrs. Danuta Sarna in 2013)“Close the Gap is an organisation with a heart for humanity! I am happy that
I can develop and grow by organising my work on an independent basis.”
Close The gaP Team
4 Via a management contract, representing OKMGM bvba
What We do
👍 13
sTruCTure and organisaTion
Mrs. Alessandra Azcarraga Sepul Member of the technical committee
at Close the Gap, Mrs. Alessandra
Azcarraga Sepul assists the management of
Close the Gap in developing environment-
friendly technology and challenging Close
the Gap’s solutions in terms of green
ICT hardware and software solutions for
developing countries. Mrs Alessandra
Azcarraga Sepul is also a founder of Avalon
Studios and Avalon Network.
Prof. Em. Dr. Wim A. G. Blonk, PresidentProf. Blonk was actively involved in the
creation of Close the Gap and WorldLoop
and has been the Chairman of the Board of
Directors at Close the Gap since 2002. He
retired in 1999 from the EU Commission
as Honorary Director General and in 2004
he retired as Professor at the Vrije Univer-
siteit Brussel. Prof. Blonk is personally
involved in projects for disabled children
in Tanzania, Malawi and North India
(Ladakh).
Mr. André Bontems Television Systems Engineer and a member
of the technical committee at Close the
Gap, Mr. Bontems helps develop new
technologies that consume less energy and
are an alternative source of power within
ICT4Development. He is also a founder of
Avalon Studios and Avalon Network.
Mr. Michel De Brauwer President and CEO of the Pietercil Group
N.V., an international sales and marketing
company located in Belgium, Mr. De
Brauwer is a member of the audit & budget
committee at Close the Gap. On top of
being a board member of several non-profit
organisations in Belgium, Mr. De Brauwer
has been elected President of the European
Sales and Marketing Association (ESMA).
He is also a founding member of the
Flemish Business Club ‘De Warande’ in
Belgium. Mr. De Brauwer is currently a
member of the Board of Teisseire fruit
syrup company (based in France, as a part
of Britvic International Plc).
Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde5
Mr. Vanden Eynde founded Close the Gap
in September 2003 at the Solvay Business
School, as a mini-enterprise and spin-off
of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Since
the start, Mr. Vanden Eynde has been the
Managing Director of Close the Gap. He
is also the founder and Managing Director
of WorldLoop6, the sister organisation that
focuses on sound e-waste solutions in
developing countries. Since 2006, Olivier
has combined his job with a part-time
position as a director at Deloitte Belgium.
Mr. Guido Vandervorst Managing partner of the Enterprise Risk
Services division and Innovation within
Deloitte Belgium, Mr. Vandervorst focuses
on internal audit and control services,
CFO services, forensic services and ICT.
Mr. Vandervorst is a member of the audit
& budget committee at Close the Gap.
Board of direCTors
Close the Gap is governed by an
independent Board of Directors and its
primary function is to give advice and
make recommendations to the Managing
Director.
““Close the Gap provides a gateway to knowledge
and opportunity for young people in the
developing world. We wish to give constant
encouragement to this tremendous work through
a worldwide federated organisation based on
our values, experiences and strengths.”⸏
Michel De BrauwerPresident and CEO of the Pietercil Group N.V.
and Member of Close the Gap Board of Directors
5 Via a management contract, representing OKMGM bvba.6 WorldLoop is the brand name of WorldPC vzw.
What We do
👍 14
sTruCTure and organisaTion
Viscount Etienne DavignonFormer Vice-President of the EU Commission; President CSR Europe
Prof. Dr. Marc DespontinProfessor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Mr. François-Xavier de DonneaMember of the Belgian Chamber of People’s Representatives; Minister of State, Belgium; Professor Emeritus of the University of Louvain (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium).
Mr. Dieter FrischFormer Director General for Development at the EU Commission
Mrs. M. F. Heijn Everwijn LangeAmbassador De Grote Onderneming;Ambassador STOP AIDS NOW!
Mrs. Corinne LepageMember of European Parliament;Former Minister of Environment, France;Partner at law firm Cabinet Huglo Lepage Associés
Prof. em. Dr. Silvain LoccufierHonorary Rector of Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Baron Dr. Peter PiotFormer Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations;Former Executive Director UNAIDS;Director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Prof. Dr. Jan PronkFormer Minister for Development Cooperation and Environment, the Netherlands; Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Sudan
Count Jacques RoggePresident International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Archbishop em. Desmond TutuNobel Peace Prize 1984
Baron Prof. Dr. Benjamin Van CampChairman UZ Brussel; ProRector Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Mrs. Sylviane ToporkoffFounder and Partner at Items International; Founder and President of Global Forum; Lecturer at Paris VIII University (Dauphine)
Prof. Dr. Frank VandenbrouckeFormer Flemish Minister of Education, Belgium; Professor at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Universiteit Antwerpen and Universiteit van Amsterdam
Mr. Tony VandeputteHonorary Delegate Administrator at the Federation of Belgian Companies
Board of reCommendaTion
Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu
Close the Gap’s Board of Recommendation
consists of eminent people willing to vouch for
and recommend Close the Gap within their
networks.
““ICT should no longer be a
luxury good for the happy few,
but a commodity for everyone,
including those at the base of the
pyramid… the other five billion
persons in this world. This is
what Close the Gap is all about.”⸏ Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu
What We do
👍 15
sTruCTure and organisaTion
Close the Gap’s counsellors use their
expertise and networks to support Close
the Gap in further developing projects
and partnerships. The duties and respon-
sibilities vary greatly, depending on the
counsellor’s speciality.
Mr. Corjan BastCounsellor for North AmericaMr. Bast seeks opportunities for building
a network of contributing and strategic
partners for Close the Gap by communi-
cating and promoting its mission, which
strongly aligns with his own personal
goals. He is a Global Product Manager
for ITpreneurs, a learning content and
instructor provider for IT best practices
training. He works closely with IT vendors
and executives to discuss how to best
leverage innovative learning solutions. In
addition, he collaborates with industry
professionals to publish articles and deliver
presentations on the latest trends in IT and
cloud computing.
Ms. Anne ClarkeCounsellor for Tanzania and EthiopiaAnne Clarke’s background is teaching
and teacher education. Her current focus
is online professional development for
teachers, instructing courses for Harvard
Graduate School of Education’s WIDE
World program. She is also an online
mentor for Teachers Without Borders.
After living for 12 years in Tanzania and
Ethiopia, Anne believes technology is
crucial to meeting the rapidly growing
demand for quality education and
vocational training in Africa. She hopes
to support Close the Gap as it expands its
activities in the region.
Mr. Remko DalkmannCounsellor for Andes Region Latin America Mr. Dalkmann is a publicity professional
who moved to Ecuador in 2011. He is
interested in using his presence in Ecuador
for Close the Gap by assessing potential
synergies with ICT development projects
in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
Mrs. Anne HermanCounsellor for AfricaMrs. Herman has a background in institu-
tional and public policy development and
has worked as a parliamentary advisor
(Belgium) for 20 years, specialising in
international issues. She has been involved
in Close the Gap from the beginning and
she coordinated one of the first school
projects in Mali. As an international
expert in development, she has conducted
numerous monitoring and evaluation
missions for a large variety of projects,
funded by international donors.
Mrs. Herman contributes her extensive
knowledge of development problems and
policies in the field, especially in Africa.
Mr. Jean-François SoupizetPrincipal CounsellorMr. Soupizet, a graduate of the French
Graduate School of Economics, Statistics
and Finance (ENSAE), is a doctor of
economics at the Université Libre de
Bruxelles and a member of the French
think tank Futuribles International. He
has mainly devoted his career to ICT in
the field of development. Mr. Soupizet
has held various positions in the French
development cooperation, the United
Nations and over the past 20 years in
the European Commission, notably
as Head of International Relations for
the Information Society and Media
Directorate General. He contributed, in
particular, to the Community positions
for the World Summit on the Information-
Society (WSIS Geneva, December 2003;
Tunis, November 2005). Mr. Soupizet
published ‘La Fracture Numérique
Nord-Sud’, Economica, Paris 2005, and
edited ‘Nord et Sud Numériques’ in ‘Les
Cahiers du Numérique’, Hermès Science
Europe, Paris 2002. Mr. Soupizet is well
positioned to support Close the Gap in its
strategic objectives.
Mr. Rafael TorresCounsellor for Central AmericaMr. Torres has a background in electricity
and engineering and has many years of
experience working in different posts
in several countries. As a native of the
Dominican Republic, he is very well placed
to assess the needs of ICT4Dev in the
Central American and Caribbean Region.
Mrs. Nel WagnerCounsellor for AfricaMrs. Wagner became interested in ICT
issues through a PC donation from KPN
to a school network in Africa. She was
involved in the founding of the ‘1 million
PCs for Africa Campaign’ for SchoolNet
Africa. Mrs. Wagner has shown a very
strong commitment to connecting Close
the Gap to World Links Zimbabwe and
SchoolNet Uganda. She also sees opportu-
nities in Suriname.
Counsellors ““What struck me is the eagerness of all these
young people in Africa to embrace that new
technology, to connect to the world, to know what
is happening, to learn, to discuss and to exchange.
Each computer is a door to a huge library and a
window on the world.”⸏
Mrs. Anne HermanCounsellor Close the Gap
What We do
👍 16
sTruCTure and organisaTion
Close The gaP and The uniTed naTions
For Close the Gap, it is very
important to liaise with the
United Nations on ICT4Dev.
Close the Gap has been
recognised as a United Nations
Global Compact (UNGC)
signatory and is a member of
the United Nations Global
Alliance for ICT and
Development (UN GAID).
Since 2010, Close the Gap
has also been a member
of the United Nations
Department of Public
Information (UNDPI).
What We do
👍 17
Close The gaP and The uniTed naTions
“In an increasingly technologically based global economy, ICT is essential
for providing the information needed to enable persons to determine their
own needs and empower them to actively meet them. Close the Gap is an
important player in the effort to increase access to this powerful tool.
The United Nations Department of Public Information, NGO Section or
UN DPI-NGO, was established to actively assist and provide the resources
necessary to assist NGOs in disseminating information about the United
Nations' efforts around the world. As a part of the United Nations’ growing
commitment to youth, UN DPI-NGO provided a venue for youth involvement
through the development of the position of youth representative. My roles as
a UN Youth Representative for Close the Gap are that of liaison, advocate,
and student. Naturally, I act as a liaison between the United Nations and
Close the Gap, providing relevant information about activities and initiatives
promoted by the United Nations here in New York City. I am also a liaison
between Close the Gap and other NGOs that could potentially act as partners
in our commitment to bridging the digital divide and those who sponsor
programmes in the developing world that are in need of our services. As an
advocate, I have had the opportunity to promote the role of ICT in human
rights-based social work and global development to audiences comprised of
fellow youth representatives, educators, students, individuals in the private
sector, and charitable organisations.
As a student who, before my relationship with Close the Gap, would not have
fully considered the pivotal role of ICT in the promotion of human rights
and realising the Millennium Development Goals, I have learned so much
within a very short period. Close the Gap has given me a rare opportunity to
learn of the many faces of ICT and its role in peace, health, education, gender
equality, and environmental sustainability. My time with Close the Gap has
transformed me into a future leader in global social work and fostered within
me a lifetime commitment to promote the inclusion of ICT in the global
development discourse.”
Ms. Anjanae Wilson
“ “In an increasingly
technologically based global
economy, ICT is essential for
providing the information
needed to enable persons to
determine their own needs and
empower them to actively
meet them.”⸏
Ms. Anjanae WilsonClose the Gap’s Youth Representative
at the United Nations in New York
United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI)The UNDPI helps non-governmental organisations
gain access to and disseminate information to the
public about United Nations issues. Close the Gap
has a permanent youth representative that represents
the organisation at the United Nations headquarters
in New York.
What We do
👍 18
Close The gaP and The uniTed naTions
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) The UNGC is a strategic
policy initiative for businesses
that are committed to aligning their
operations and strategies with ten
universally accepted principles in the areas
of human rights, labour, environment and
anti-corruption. Businesses, as primary
drivers of globalisation, can help ensure
that markets, commerce, technology
and finance advance in ways that benefit
economies and societies everywhere.
Endorsed by chief executives, the Global
Compact is a practical framework for
the development, implementation and
disclosure of sustainability policies and
practices, offering participants a wide
spectrum of work streams, management
tools and resources — all designed to help
advance sustainable business models and
markets.
For Close the Gap, participation in the
UNGC is a great opportunity to share
knowledge about sustainable development
and another step in the process of
emphasising the importance of high
standards in its worldwide activities.
The UN Global Compact has two main objectives:1. Catalyse actions in support of broader
UN goals, including the Millennium
Development Goals.
2. Mainstream the following ten principles
in business activities around the world:
Human Rights
• Principle 1: businesses should support
and respect the protection of interna-
tionally proclaimed human rights; and
• Principle 2: make sure that they are
not complicit in human rights abuses.
Labour
• Principle 3: businesses should uphold
the freedom of association and the
effective recognition of the right to
collective bargaining;
• Principle 4: the elimination of all forms
of forced and compulsory labour;
• Principle 5: the effective abolition of
child labour; and
• Principle 6: the elimination of discrimi-
nation in respect of employment and
occupation.
Environment
• Principle 7: businesses should support
a precautionary approach to environ-
mental challenges;
• Principle 8: undertake initiatives to
promote greater environmental
responsibility, and
• Principle 9: encourage the development
and diffusion of environmentally
friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
• Principle 10: businesses should work
against corruption in all its forms,
including extortion and bribery.
A multitude of projects have demonstrated
that ICT can contribute directly or
indirectly to various goals that are targeted
by the Millennium Development Goals.
Through its sister organisation WorldLoop,
Close the Gap ensures the end-of-life
management of IT assets (Principle 8 )
and through partnerships with organisa-
tions that support environmentally friendly
technologies, Close the Gap supports
Principle 9.
United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)The UN GAID is a global
forum that comprehensively addresses
cross-cutting issues related to ICT and
development. UN GAID wants to create
an open and inclusive platform that
could broaden the dialogue on innovative
ways of harnessing ICT for advancing
development. To accomplish this, UN
GAID mainstreams the global ICT agenda
into the broader United Nations agenda.
All UN GAID members are committed to the following ideals:• Demonstrate leadership by advancing
universal access to ICT.
• Raise the awareness of policy-makers on
ICT4Dev issues.
• Facilitate identification of technological
solutions for specific development goals.
• Produce practical solutions, share best
practices and knowledge to bridge the
digital divide.
• Engage in policy dialogues around
specific topics of mutual interest put
forward for discussion.
• Share innovative business models for
pro-poor investment, economic growth
and empowerment of people living in
poverty.
What We do
👍 19
Close The gaP and The uniTed naTions
022012 aT a glanCe
faCTs and figures 2012
61,586 ComPuTer asseTs donaTed
2012 at a glance
20
faCTs and figures 2012
📈
15,453 ComPuTer asseTs imPlemenTed in ProjeCTs7
93ComPanies involved in donaTions in 2012
organisaTions suPPorTed in 26 CounTries
4507 A computer consists of two assets: the CPU unit and the TFT monitor.
2012 at a glance
21
faCTs and figures 2012
📈
evenTs in 2012
3 - 6 january
First project supported in Senegal at Missirah primary school in ToubacoutaIn January Close the Gap supported its first educational project in
Senegal. The Belgian family Martens took laptops to the Missirah
primary school to enable the teachers to use ICT as a teaching tool.
Missirah primary school in Toubacouta
1 feBruary
New Year’s reception and official inauguration of Close the Gap’s new offices at Karel Van Miert Building On 1 February Close the Gap organised a New Year’s Drink for
the inauguration of its new offices in the buildings of the Vrije
Universiteit Brussel (VUB). It was a great opportunity to thank all
its partners and the VUB in particular for their support for Close
the Gap over the years. Close the Gap welcomed over 75 people
from its main partner organisations. Mr. Carl Michiels, Chair of
the Direction Committee of the Belgian Development Agency,
presented Close the Gap’s past and current challenges, as well as
some of the recent achievements of the e-waste project.
14 -16 marCh
Close the Gap attended United Nations Pan-African Forum on e-wasteClose the Gap attended the Pan-African Forum on e-waste,
hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
in Nairobi, Kenya. The outcome was hugely successful and has
opened the door to foster future collaborative relationships with
strategic partners in Europe, Kenya and the four other East African
Community countries Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Pan-African Forum is a platform of engagement for relevant
stakeholders in the private sector, government, public sector and
academia to address the e-waste issues present in Africa. Close
the Gap was also able to engage with its main service partner
Computers for Schools Kenya (CFSK) and visited some of the
recently implemented school projects in the suburbs of Nairobi.
Close the Gap and WordPC at the UNEP conference
2 may
Close the Gap keynote speaker at Microsoft’s Innovate4Good Microsoft Innovate4Good is a global community enabling young
people aged 15-24 to collaborate, inspire and support each other
while working on technological projects that could make the
difference in creating a better future. There are already 1,000
youngsters involved in the community. They meet around the
world at local events and in a global online community to provide
and receive support for their ideas and concrete projects. To this
community, Microsoft brings the knowledge that the company,
its employees and alumni have gained over more than 30 years
of innovation, business and technology expertise as well as active
engagement in more than 100 countries around the world. The
first European Innovate4Good day took place in May 2012 in
Brussels. During this event, Close the Gap gave a presentation on
““Close the Gap is able to touch
the cold heart of the
business world with the
warm soul of societal
involvement.” ⸏ Mr. Carl MichielsChair of the Direction Committee of the Belgian Development Agency
2012 at a glance
22
evenTs in 2012
📈
how NGOs are using technology to address the societal issues of
today, inspiring 120 youngsters.
Microsoft Innovate4good
3 may
Strategic partner day in Rotterdam Close the Gap welcomed its strategic partners and key donors
to the Strategic Partner Day, which was hosted by Deloitte
Netherlands in their new headquarters at Rotterdam, the tallest
business building in the Benelux. During the meeting Close the
Gap’s past, current and future opportunities were presented to the
audience of 40 people. There was also a brainstorming activity,
where Close the Gap’s partners shared their visions on the organi-
sation’s projects and future.
Strategic partner day in Rotterdam
12 may
Lions Club commits its support to Close the GapOlivier Vanden Eynde was invited as keynote speaker for the Lions
Convention District Limburg in Hasselt. The event resulted in
promising bilateral contacts and a commitment from the Lions
Club to support Close the Gap through a financial donation for its
projects in developing countries.
Mr. Guy Schalenbourg (Governor Lions Club Limburg, Antwerp and Vlaams-Brabant) and Sr. Jeanne Devos
24 may
PC Solidarity information sessionClose the Gap and the King Baudouin Foundation organised
an information session for all projects selected for the fifth PC
Solidarity call. The jury selected 45 Belgian projects. A total of 501
computers were distributed throughout 2012.
PC Solidarity information session
2012 at a glance
23
evenTs in 2012
📈
8 june
Close the Gap represented at the official launch of Rio+20 in ParisAt the United Nations Rio+20 Conference held in June 2012,
world leaders, along with thousands of participants from
governments, the private sector, NGOs and other groups, came
together to discuss how to reduce poverty, advance social equity
and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded
planet to achieve the future we want. ‘Club France Rio+20’, a
French network of businesses, communities, unions, associations
and national and European governments, also met to share ideas
and reflect on a common statement on sustainable development
that was presented at the United Nations conference. Close the
Gap was also represented in the French network, which numbers
800 members, to share its experience on sustainable development.
13 june and 13 sePTemBer
Close the Gap behind the scenes: ‘Friends of’ days in France and BelgiumClose the Gap organised its ‘Friends of’ days at the premises of its
refurbishment partner in Paris (France) and Mechelen (Belgium).
All ‘Friends of Close the Gap’ were invited to visit the warehouse
and reconditioning centre in order to better understand how Close
the Gap’s logistics partner refurbishes computers and performs
the data wipe. Close the Gap was very pleased to see many new
potential French donors during this exciting event.
'Friends of' day in Belgium
17 july
Close the Gap supports the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy FoundationClose the Gap’s Chairman and Managing Director were invited
for a kick-off meeting of the recently created ‘Desmond & Leah
Tutu Legacy Foundation’ in Cape Town (South Africa) to serve
their Special Advisory Council in a honorary position. The
members of this council provide the Legacy Foundation with their
expertise and access to their networks and are invited to attend
specific board meetings in this capacity. They will not vote nor
will they bear any fiduciary responsibility for the Foundation. The
Executive Director of the Foundation will provide Close the Gap’s
Chairman and Managing Director with updates on the work of the
Foundation on a regular basis.
““It’s a real pleasure and strong
empowerment for the Desmond &
Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation to
have Close the Gap’s Chairman and
Managing Director to serve on our
Special Advisory Council.” ⸏
Ms. Mpho TutuExecutive Director Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
2012 at a glance
24
evenTs in 2012
📈
21 june
208 cyclists for the second edition of Bike to Close the GapClose the Gap’s strategic
partner DNS Belgium
organised the second
edition of the cycling event
Bike to Close the Gap. 208
cyclists from 40 ICT-related
companies and Close the
Gap’s partners climbed the
Paterberg in Kluisbergen
multiple times, raising a total
of €55,000 for PC Solidarity,
Close the Gap’s project that
aims to bridge the local
digital divide.
““Our classes took the form of train-the-trainer sessions
and covered general subjects like Word, Excel and Power-
Point, but also other topics, such as using the Internet,
making a website and online security. For us teachers, it
was incredibly rewarding to see how much progress our
students made in just two weeks’ time.” ⸏ Ms. Leen BuyensSenior Consultant Deloitte Consulting
2 augusT
Deloitte Belgium gave ICT classes in Tanzania An enthusiastic team of five Deloitte volunteers travelled to
Tanzania to take part in a corporate responsibility project focusing
on sustainability in collaboration with the NGOs’ Global Resource
Alliance (GRA) and WeForest. Their work included supporting
Buhare school and the University of Arusha in Musoma by
giving IT classes to students and the NGOs’ local employees on
computers provided by Close the Gap.
Deloitte team in Tanzania
27-31 augusT
Computers for universities in UgandaA Close the Gap delegation visited Uganda to engage with univer-
sities to increase students’ and researchers’ access to ICT. Uganda
has 34 universities nationwide, of which 29 are private institutions.
In collaboration with the Ugandan Embassy in Brussels and with
the Honorary Consul for Uganda in Belgium, four universities
were targeted for potential extensive collaboration in the near
future: Uganda Martyrs University, Mbarara University of Science
and Technology, Mukono Christian University and Mountains of
the Moon University.
Martyrs Christian University, Uganda
2012 at a glance
25
evenTs in 2012
📈
24 sePTemBer
Desmond Tutu refurbishes Close the Gap’s 250,000th computer asset in the NetherlandsOn 24 September Close the Gap celebrated an important
milestone: the donation of the 250,000th computer asset to
Close the Gap from its donors in Europe. During a special
event organised at Close the Gap’s computer refurbishment
centre in Culemborg (the Netherlands), Archbishop em.
Desmond Tutu, a long-term ambassador of Close the Gap, was
invited to carry out the last part of the refurbishment process
of the symbolic 250,000th computer asset. Close the Gap
also announced new partnerships and the reinforcement of its
green initiatives. Some 250 people participated in the event,
including his Royal Highness Prince Carlos de Bourbon de
Parme, a member of the Dutch royal family, who is known to
be a staunch defender of the environment.
11 oCToBer
Focus on Close the Gap’s collaboration with KLM during the KLM CSR daysDuring the KLM CSR days, KLM employees had the opportunity
to gain more insight into KLM’s activities related to corporate
social responsibility (CSR). For Close the Gap, this was a unique
opportunity to meet employees of its partner organisation and to
explain to them directly the impact of their collaboration in terms
of computer donations and cargo shipments for millions of people
all over the world.
KLM Cargo
23 oCToBer
Close the Gap inspired students at the International School of BrusselsThe International School of Brussels (ISB) hosted a very special
annual career event for its students in welcoming guest speakers
for the annual ‘Beyond ISB day’. Olivier Vanden Eynde gave an
inspiring speech about his vision on the working world within the
social entrepreneurial industry. The objective of the day was to give
students the opportunity to learn about the career experiences of
others within their area of professional expertise and specific sector
experience. ISB has been donating its decommissioned computers
to Close the Gap since 2012 and is proposing internships for its
students at Close the Gap.
Beyond ISB Day
27
evenTs in 20122012 aT a glanCe
📈
24 oCToBer
Close the Gap presents its view on ICT4Development at “Debating development” at the University of Antwerp “Bits for Development, windows of opportunities or further
burden?” was the topic of the conference that took place at the
University of Antwerp. Close the Gap was invited to join the panel
to discuss this topic with an audience of 200 students.
12 novemBer
CharITy Foundation and ICT MEDIA give coverage to Close the Gap on CIO Day in the Netherlands The subject of the 2012 CIO day
was ‘The Past is the Future: A
CIO should make his company
ready for the future by means
of ICT’. During the evening
programme, a VIP CIO dinner
was organised with more than 500
senior IT executives. A Close the
Gap delegation was invited to use
the occasion to network with the high-potential participants of this
event. Close the Gap, together with WorldLoop, were showcased
as a best practice for using end-of-lease computers for sustainable
ICT4Dev projects.
Mr. Tamme Wierenga, Chairman CharITy and IT Manager Essent-RWE
““As the founder of the CharITy
Foundation, I’m very proud that
we could enable the result-oriented
involvement from a critical mass of
key CIOs from the Netherlands into
the Close the Gap programme. During
the event with Archbishop Desmond
Tutu in September 2012, I have
testified that CharITy, and myself as
founder, will continue to empower this
great 'ICT for Development' work.” ⸏
Mr. Rob BeijleveldFounder CharITy
15 novemBer
Close the Gap and Greenpeace introduced their approach to the ICT society in the opening of The Datacenter Group’s new centre in Delft (the Netherlands)The Datacenter Group opened
their new data centre in Delft
with a special event. Close the
Gap and Greenpeace were
invited to present their views on
the challenges of the modern ICT
society and the latest develop-
ments on sustainability.
29 novemBer
Belgian CIOs collect 13,000 computer assets for Close the GapIT Executives’ Circle created the CIO-PE campaign in 2011
to raise awareness of the digital divide among Belgian CIOs
and to encourage them to donate their companies’ decommis-
sioned computers to help projects in developing countries. For
two years in a row, the campaign has been a huge success: the
Belgian companies collected 13,000 computer assets in one year,
so exceeding the original goal of 10,000 computer assets by the
end of 2012.
From left to right: Ms. Anne De Baetzelier (Moderator), Ms. Aurélie Dupont (Operations Director, Close the Gap), Mr. Rudi Peeters (CIO, KBC), Mr. Daniel Lebeau (CIO, GSK), Mr. André Vanden Camp (COO and CIO, AXA), Mr. Alain Vande Kerkhove (Managing Director, The Executives’ Circle)
Ms. Sanne van Keulen, Greenpeace
“
2012 at a glance
28
evenTs in 2012
📈
29-30 novemBer
Close the Gap keynote speaker at EuroCIOEach year, EuroCIO’s conference gathers CIOs from companies
all over Europe to exchange views on new trends in the world
of ICT. At this year’s conference in Brussels, Ms. Neelie Kroes,
Commissioner for the Digital Agenda, highlighted the importance
of collaboration between the CIOs of different companies. After
a keynote speech from Mr. Michael Gorriz, CIO Daimler, Mr.
Olivier Vanden Eynde, Managing Director Close the Gap, took
the floor to highlight the opportunity for CIOs to participate in
bridging the digital divide and so help their companies contribute
to the Millennium Development Goals.
“
“
“EuroCIO will further
contribute in the coming
years by offering Close
the Gap the possibility
of directly addressing all
members at the European
level to create long-lasting
relationships.” ⸏
Mr. Peter HagedoornSecretary-General EuroCIO
“Every year I gather CIOs from all
over Belgium to share about best
practices in the field. For a couple
of years now, I have also wanted to
encourage them to look a step further
by supporting social projects. I’m
delighted to see the motivation of the
CIOs in supporting Close the Gap.” ⸏
Mr. Alain Vande KerkhoveManaging Director The Executives’ Circle
4 deCemBer
WorldLoop holds first Ambassador Day with key stakeholders Close the Gap’s partner WorldLoop brought together key
stakeholders in sustainable ICT4Dev and e-waste management
at Umicore's Precious Metals Refinery in Hoboken Belgium
(Antwerp). The purpose of the meeting was to have an open
dialogue on the importance of public-private partnerships to
provide sustainable end-of-life solutions for ICT equipment used
in development projects. Some 80 people participated in the event,
which included messages from key stakeholders, including Mr.
Thomas Leysen (Chairman Umicore and KBC Bank Group), Mr.
Dan Mesis (Deputy Secretary Kenyan Ministry of Environment
and Mineral Resources) and Mr. Peter Sabbe (CEO Recupel). The
event encouraged networking and an open forum for questions
and discussions on the realities of the future of ICT and e-waste
recycling in developing countries.
Mr. Peter Sabbe, CEO Recupel and Mr. Dan Mesis, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources Kenya
“EuroCIO, the European umbrella organisation covering a great number of national
CIO organisations and altogether over 600 larger corporations, wholeheartedly
endorses the goals of Close the Gap. Having over 600,000 ICT workers in all these
companies means that EuroCIO members are potentially great contributors to Close
the Gap. Close the Gap already has good contacts with some of our national organi-
sations (CIO-Platform Netherlands, CIO-Forum Belgium, CIGREF France, VOICE
Germany) and many of them already contribute to Close the Gap. EuroCIO will further
contribute in the coming years by offering Close the Gap the possibility of directly
addressing all members at the European level to create long-lasting relationships.”
2012 at a glance
29
evenTs in 2012
📈
ProjeCT overview 2012
regular projects
CounTry ProjeCT name asseTs seCTor
Burundi (2) Bureau d'etudes de l'enseignement Technique 244 education
fondation pour l’unité, la Paix et la démocratie 42 education
université du Burundi 699 education
d.r.C. (4) energy assistance 12 infrastructure
Bridge the digital divide in Butembo 603 education
Bandundu iCT project 33 education
sensorial handicap 32 education
ghana (6) ghana kwahu aduamoah 69 education
Zuarungu iCT project 75 education
malawi (8) Blantyre school 38 education
mozambique (9) disop mozambique 130 employment
Philippines (10) kids foundation 56 education
rwanda (11) sos Children’s villages rwanda 104 education
ruhengeri institute of higher education 630 education
sierra leone (12) Plan sierra leone 35 education
viafrica 60 education
south africa (13) desmond Tutu hiv foundation 52 health
Tanzania (14) Computers for special needs for misungwi school 72 education
deloitte Belgium's iCT and training project 84 education
st-joseph vocational Training Centre 33 education
Computers for special needs for misungwi school 72 education
deloitte Belgium's iCT and training project 84 education
st-joseph vocational Training Centre 33 education
youBridge 25 education
Togo (16) ese Togo 36 education
uganda (17) educaids uganda 188 education
We have only listed projects where more
than 30 computer assets were delivered.
Please note that the following projects have
been supported as well:
Burkina Faso: Makoumi, Noord-Zuid;
Cameroun: Knowledge for Children;
Colombia: Te Busco Colombia; DRC:
Kolwezi, Villages Bondeko, Zoological
Society of Milwaukee County; Ethiopia:
Wollega University; Nepal: Saancho;
Nigeria: The Bridge; Pakistan: Laptops
for schools; Rwanda: Kabgayi, Caritas;
Senegal: Ecole de Missirah; Uganda:
Kinderhulp Afrika; Zambia: Abantu
Zambia
3
2012 at a glance
30
ProjeCT overview 2012
📈
Project adoptions
CounTry ProjeCT name asseTs seCTor adoPTer
Belgium (1) iCT for non-profit organisations in Belgium 1637 employment dns Belgium
Belgacom foundation 367 education Belgacom
Beface 39 social Beface
Telenet foundation 23 social Telenet
Bednet 102 health dns Belgium, Belgacom
Take off 47 health dns Belgium
federatie Basiseducatie 400 education dns Belgium
network for Teaching entrepreneurship 39 education huawei
Burundi (2) université du Burundi 549 education vlir-uos
Cuba (3) instituto superior Politécnico josé antonio echeverría 39 education vlir-uos
d.r.C. (4) Benelux afro Center 334 education fondation air france
ethiopia (5) jimma university 640 education vlir-uos
ghana (6) jan van ieperen fonds supports schools in ghana 126 education jan van ieperen fonds
kenya (7) Computers for schools kenya 1800 education dns Belgium
mombasa Polytechnic university College 480 education dns Belgium
moi university 466 education vlir-uos
Philippines (10) Benguet state university 448 education vlir-uos
rwanda (11) alliance high school 104 education dns Belgium
Tevsa network 210 education stichting gillès
south africa (13)
support orphans in southern africa 20 youth Care ricoh netherlands
Tanzania (14) affordable Computers and Technology for Tanzania 440 education rabobank
school project Tanzania 72 education dns Belgium, stichting gillès, rabobank
Thailand (15) fund isaan 204 education deloitte Belgium
uganda (17) mountains of the moon university 324 education deloitte se
iCT for schools in uganda 2500 education dns Belgium
2
8
11
6
1617
9
12
7
5
14
4
13
1
15 10
2012 at a glance
31
ProjeCT overview 2012
📈
03ProjeCTsin develoPing and
emerging CounTries
Close the Gap wants to provide a comprehensive and sustainable approach from the pick-up of the equipment at the donor company to the refurbishment, project selection,
local installation of the computers and on-site training. Through its partner WorldLoop, Close the Gap also ‘closes the loop’ by providing local recycling facilities once the IT
equipment reaches the end of its life.
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
32
💻
Close the Gap collects high-quality used ICT equipment from
European companies and organisations. The equipment is
collected in a professional way and at no cost to the donor.
Close the Gap organises the collection of used ICT hardware
equipment and obviously focuses on A-brand high-quality
equipment (from a cosmetic as well as technical point of view).
However, Close the Gap is aware that it is not easy for companies
to make a selection within its decommissioned equipment and
that’s why Close the Gap is ready to collect a certain amount of
equipment that does not comply with the minimum specifications,
depending on the volume and overall quality of the donation. In
the spirit of partnership and long-term collaboration, Close the
Gap aims to be a ‘one stop shop’ for the donating companies. The
due diligence is made on a case-by-case basis, mainly taking into
account the following conditions:
VolumeClose the Gap’s collaborations start with a minimum volume
of about 30 asset donations (desktops, screens, etc.), preferably
coming from the same batch of equipment. Not only does this
allow Close the Gap to provide a project with same-specification
computers, but it also saves on overhead costs.
SpecificationsClose the Gap works on the basis of evolving minimum specifi-
cation requirements, which are currently*:
• Desktops: Pentium IV 2.4 GHz
• Screens: 15” TFT flat screens
• Laptops and netbooks: Pentium Centrino 1.6 GHz
• Printers: laser jet and multifunctional printers (MFPs)
• Smartphones and tablets
• Networking equipment (routers, servers, etc.)
• Thin-Client workstations
Phase 1: ColleCTion
* These specifications might change in the course of 2013.
““As a large company on the
Belgian market, Axa sees it as its
duty to help the most vulnerable.
The IT equipment we donate
to Close the Gap is still very
functional. It’s an opportunity for
us to be able to give genuine new
life to these tools for people who
have fewer chances." ⸏
Mr. André Van CampCIO and COO AXA Belgium
The digital divide will not be bridged by sending obsolete equipment to the South and Close the Gap is committed to providing beneficiary projects with high-performance equipment only.
46%
25%
14%
7%7%
<1%
1%
40%
20%
19%
14%
9%
■ exCellenT■ exCellenT
wiTh
aesTheTiC
defaulTs■ reuse of
sPare ParTs
■ Teardown-
reCyCling■ PosiTive
PrinTer
CheCk
■ deskToP■ moniTor■ noTeBook■ PrinTer■ sPare ParTs■ server■ moBile Phone
ToTal asseTs grades
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
34
ColleCTion
💻
Once the equipment has been collected and shipped to the various
refurbishment plants in Europe, Close the Gap’s logistics partner
starts the refurbishing process. As a result of a restricted call for
tenders at the European level, the Dutch company Flection
International BV, an Arrow company, has been selected as Close
the Gap’s preferred logistics and refurbishing partner.
During the check-in and registration, the
status of the received equipment is evaluated, the
computer’s serial and asset numbers are
registered and every asset is given a unique
barcode to enable easy tracking and tracing.
The reconditioning of the computers consists
of a power-on switch test, internal and external
cleaning, a virus scan, an upgrade of the
computers if necessary and a durability test. The
monitors go through durability and colour
testing, are cleaned and checked for damage. All
data is wiped using a Blancco-certified data
wiping process.
This data removal process complies with the
strictest requirements of NATO and the US
Ministry of Defense. After refurbishing, a new
keyboard, mouse, headphones and adequate
software are added.
About six weeks after the collection, each donor
receives a full status report indicating the
quality of each donated asset, listed according
to its original serial number and tracking number – if used.
Furthermore, a data wipe certificate that guarantees all files have
been erased is given to donors.
Obsolete equipment that cannot be reused in projects or sold to
third parties is destructed and recycled. In this case, a certificate of
destruction is provided to the donor.
Close the Gap is committed to providing beneficiary projects with
high-performance equipment only. If the quality and performance
of the donated equipment does not meet the set minimum specifi-
cations or if there is significant short time overstock causing
high storage costs, it is sold to third-party brokerage firms, while
respecting conditions agreed on with the donors. The income
generated is used to source computer assets that are not available
in donations but needed in projects and to finance Close the Gap’s
operations and project development.
Check-in and registration
Reconditioning
Datawipe
Phase 2: refurBishmenT
“ “I hope you are like me: you would like to help society, your company and your region
at the same time. Supporting Close the Gap is a way to help society: you address
the knowledge gap of poor countries. It also helps the company; Close the Gap is
extremely well organised: the logistics is there, they clean your PC, they provide
certificates, they have agreements with KLM, they partner with Microsoft for the
licences,... It’s very professional. In the end, you can help young entrepreneurs to
develop their mission in many European countries.”
“Supporting Close the
Gap is a way to help
society: you address the
knowledge gap of poor
countries. ”⸏
Mr. Daniel LebeauCIO Glaxo Smith Kline
Through its logistics partner Flection Int. (part of the Arrow Group), Close the Gap is able to refurbish com-puters locally thanks to a worldwide network of refur-bishment centres. Flection is an active member of the StEP Initiative (Stop the E-waste Problem).
Flection warehouses hold all the required Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) collection permits and certifications. Flection implements and holds certificates for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
If equipment fails tests and is not suitable for reuse, the product will be disassembled and materials and waste disposal handed over to European-approved down-stream recyclers. This whole process is in compliance with the WEEE Directive and the Basel Convention. This way, Close the Gap and Flection implement a 0% landfill policy and will never ship malfunctioning equip-ment or hazardous waste to their projects in developing countries.
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
35
refurBishmenT
💻
Close the Gap evaluates and selects projects that focus on both the
individual and his or her community. The projects selected cover
various fields, such as education, health, environment, microfi-
nance, research, socio-cultural activities and good governance.
Close the Gap supports projects in developing and emerging
countries all around the world.Close the Gap selects projects
based on several factors: the existence of a local infrastructure
allowing the installation of computers (electricity, security,
etc.), local capacities (IT knowledge, training opportunities,
etc.), the servicing plan, the pedagogical scenario, the respect of
the environment and especially the added value the use of IT
equipment would bring to the project.
The collaborations usually start with a minimum of 20 computers
in order to be as efficient as possible with respect to dealing with
export and import regulations and logistics. Close the Gap is
subject to the economies of scale.
Phase 3: ProjeCT seleCTion
The Belgium Campus, Pretoria, South Africa
Microfinance project in Cameroon
Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogo, Tanzania
Mekele University, Ethiopia
Close the Gap uses selection criteria when it comes to the projects supported. Thanks to the strict conditions, Close the Gap guarantees a more sustainable use of the computers locally.
Close the Gap adopts a demand-driven approach, i.e. it only sends computers to projects that demonstrate their need for ICT equipment.
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
36
ProjeCT seleCTion
💻
“
Phase 4: TransPorT
The computer equipment is packed for sea or air transport to the
developing or emerging country. The projects selected are asked
to contribute to the refurbishing and transportation costs, unless a
partnering company expresses a wish to adopt a particular project.
Close the Gap helps project applicants by looking for the most
cost-efficient transport solution, by ship or plane, depending
on the destination and volume. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has
been a very loyal and reliable partner since Close the Gap’s
very beginning. As world leader in the sector, Air France/KLM
strive for profitable growth while working tirelessly to protect the
environment and ensure social progress. They are building the
future business by rolling out innovative products and tailored
services to best meet the expectations of their customers. KLM
supports Close the Gap in different ways. Their greatest support is
the offer of stand-by cargo shipments to KLM destinations.
“KLM has been supporting Close the Gap from the onset in 2004 and has since
donated over 13,500 computer assets, giving people in developing countries access to
knowledge and education.
In 2006 KLM Cargo decided to go a step further by offering Close the Gap up to
50,000 euros annually towards the transport of decommissioned computers to projects
in developing and emerging countries. Therefore, we work in close cooperation with
Kenya Airways for destinations in East Africa where KLM does not have direct flights.
Since 2006 KLM has dedicated over a hundred flights to carry ICT material for reuse.
In 2012 KLM shipped 2,749 computer assets to Ghana, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines,
Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand and Uganda.
Following in KLM’s footsteps, Martinair and Transavia.com have also become donors
to the Close the Gap organisation. Based in part on the enthusiastic response from
KLM staff and passengers, Close the Gap currently has more than 2 million Flying
Blue Miles available for field work in Africa and for launching
new projects.
Within our CSR strategy it is important for us to involve our
own employees as much as possible: KLM employees can
submit their own private projects to Close the Gap. For the
moment, we are also investigating the possibility of deploying
our own ICT staff in Close the Gap projects, either by
building ICT networks locally or by giving ICT training to
local service partners.”
“KLM has been
supporting Close the Gap
from the onset in 2004
and has since donated
over 13,500 computer
assets, giving people in
developing countries
access to knowledge and
education.”⸏
Mr. Jappe BlaauwEVP KLM Information Services & CIO Mr. Jappe Blaauw, EVP KLM
Information Services & CIO
KLM Cargo
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
37
TransPorT
💻
Phase 5: insTallaTion, mainTenanCe and Training
Close the Gap works through local service partners in 12 African
countries. The service partners work as intermediaries between
Close the Gap and beneficiary organisations. They know and
understand the local culture and challenges, have local project
management expertise and ensure the sustainability of the projects.
They are responsible for the preparation of local infrastructure,
distribution and transport of computers to the beneficiaries, instal-
lation and maintenance of ICT equipment, and training project
managers, teachers and users.
Based on a win-win situation, Close the Gap is creating a client-
supplier relationship with its service partners. On the one hand,
service partners make critical assessments of the quality of the
projects supported as well as of the service level of Close the Gap’s
delivery. They provide innovative input and tools for improving
Close the Gap’s work. On the other hand, Close the Gap
contributes to the creation of a sustainable financial and social
entrepreneurial model for the service partners, which ultimately
leads to being less dependent on funds coming from industrialised
countries.
Over the past few years, Close the Gap’s track record has
demonstrated that newly established service partners in developing
countries reach a maturity level within less than 18 months of a
partnership. During this period, the service partners become well
respected local organisations, creating significant employability
opportunities. As a result, service partners are also increasing
Close the Gap’s local standing.
Today, Close the Gap has identified service partners in only some
parts of Africa. However, Close the Gap would like to expand this
model to include more countries in Africa and in other continents.
our serviCe ParTners in 2012
Burundi (1) great lakes initiatives for Communities empowerment (gliCe): starting collaboration
ghana (2) Computers for education and development (Cfed)
kenya (3) Computers for schools kenya (Cfsk)
d.r.C. (4) Benelux afro Centre (BaC)
mali (5) upsilon
rwanda (6) iCT4all
sierra leone (7) sierra eriders
south africa (8) Belgium Campus
Tanzania (9) affordable Computers and Tech-nology for Tanzania (aCTT)
viafrica
Togo (10) education science experience (ese)
uganda (11) Computers for schools uganda (Cfsu)
uConnect
Zimbabwe (12) world links Zimbabwe
Working with service partners enables Close the Gap to work on a larger scale and it ensures the sustainability of computers donated to projects.
By working through local service partners, Close the Gap creates local employment in African countries.
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
38
insTallaTion, mainTenanCe and Training
💻
16
2
10
11
12
7
5
3
9
4
8
“ “Quality education is key to a developed economy. Modern teaching tools, including
computers, are key to quality education. With less than 5% of Tanzanian schools having
computers, the ICT dream is still a long way off, but we believe that together we can
change that. We at ACTT, in partnership with Close the Gap and with huge support
from Rabobank in 2012, are geared towards making big changes and enhancing
learning by supporting schools to set up computer labs. Since our collaboration, we
have made big strides with the support of seven educational centres and schools. We
are looking forward to reaching even more school and educational programmes, and
our goal is to ensure effective and sustainable use of these resources, including support
with educational software as well as teacher training and maintenance services.”
“With less than 5% of
Tanzanian schools
having computers, the
ICT dream is still a long
way off, but we believe
that together we can
change that. ”⸏
Mr. Robert MafieDirector ACTT
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
39
insTallaTion, mainTenanCe and Training
💻
Projects can call upon Close the Gap’s supporting partners for
expertise in the following fields: specific software, special hardware,
capacity building, funding expertise and infrastructure.
Belgian Raiffeisen Foundation (BRS) is Close the Gap’s
consultancy partner for microfinance projects. Additionally, Close
the Gap supplies BRS projects with hardware.
Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC/CTB) is an ad hoc
consultant for the validation and the endorsement of Close the
Gap’s activities in developing countries. In the recent past, BTC/
CTB has been Close the Gap’s knowledge partner for e-waste
management in the East African Community.
E-learning for Kids Foundation develops educational software
for children. Close the Gap’s projects can obtain this software at a
preferential price.
Energy Assistance asbl/vzw is a consultancy partner for energy
projects. Close the Gap delivers hardware for Energy Assistance’s
projects.
Ex-Change provides consultancy for management and sends
volunteer experts to share knowledge and experience with local
entrepreneurs.
International Institute for Communication and
Development (IICD) is Close the Gap’s knowledge and training
partner in Uganda and Tanzania.
Ontuitive is e-learning software that offers structured support
and immediate help and training for questions and challenges
concerning Microsoft Office and Windows. Projects can opt for
this free service.
Ukengee Foundation is Close the Gap’s partner for the
implementation of solar energy and eco-friendly computers.
UNESCO offers an open online training platform to provide
trainers and trainees with free resources and training. Close the
Gap supports this training platform by promoting it to its project
partners. More info at www.opentrainingplatform.org.
The Flemish Interuniversity Council for University
Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) supports research
and higher education institutions in the South through partner-
ships with Flemish universities and higher education institutions.
VLIR-UOS wants to improve the capacity of institutions in the
South to better fulfil their societal roles. Close the Gap supplies
computers to these partner universities in the South and to social
projects supported by the educational institutions. VLIR-UOS
guarantees sustainability by providing ICT maintenance and
training to local staff.
The Flemish Association for Development Cooperation
and Technical Assistance (VVOB) contributes to improving
the quality of education in developing countries. Close the Gap
provides educational institutions in the South that are partners
with hardware.
YouBridge wants to create opportunities for young people all over
the world by building a platform that allows people to send new
laptops to developing countries.
Phase 6: sofTware and exPerTise
Some supporting partners provide innovative low- energy solutions for the projects supported by Close the Gap. Reinforcing these partnerships will be a prior-ity in 2013.
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
40
sofTware and exPerTise
💻
Close the Gap evaluates the quality of its products and services in
order to improve future collaborations by means of a yearly survey
of its project partners. The overall evaluation of the collaboration
between Close the Gap and its partners in 2012 was positive: 91%
of the partners evaluated the collaboration with Close the Gap as
excellent, good or satisfactory.
Moreover, 88% of Close the Gap’s partners are open to the idea of
collaborating again in the future.8
Phase 7: follow-uP and evaluaTion
8 Based on a 50% response rate.
55%27%
9%
9%
how saTisfied are you wiTh
Close The gaP's serviCes?
would you Be ready
To CollaBoraTe in The fuTure?
■ exCellenT 55%
■ good 27%
■ saTisfied 9%
■ dissaTisfied 9%
yes88%
mayBe12%
““Our budgets are minimal.
Thanks to the support of
Close the Gap we were able
to provide our staff with
computers for communication,
administration, reporting
and documentation purposes.
This contributes, in turn, to
their motivation and ability
to cope better with their daily
workload.” ⸏
Ms. Lieve MilissenCoordinator Centre for Children in Vulnerable Situations Uganda
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
41
follow-uP and evaluaTion
💻
3
2
1
ProjeCT examPles
regular ProjeCTs
Project coordinators in the South are asked to contribute financially
(partly with external co-funding) to the refurbishing and shipping
costs of computers. The regular projects finance these costs
without the intermediary involvement of Close the Gap.
Schoolchildren in Eastern Ghana learn practical ICT skills Equipment: 70 computer assetsProject partners: Ghana Council, City of Antwerp
In Ghana, the study of ICT is part of the school curriculum but
unfortunately most schools in rural areas do not have computers
for the practical study of ICT programmes. That is why the
umbrella organisation of Ghanaians in Belgium (Ghana Council),
together with its member associations and the support of the City
of Antwerp help children in rural areas of Ghana to gain access to
ICT. After an initial successful pilot project by the Okwahu Asaase
Aban Union at the beginning of 2012, the Northern Ghanaians
Association in Belgium installed 35 computers in primary schools
in Zuarungu in the Upper East region of Ghana in the first week
of January 2013. The computers were installed in two centres that
will be used by four primary schools. Thanks to these computers,
ICT will no longer be a theoretical subject for 800 Ghanaian
children, but something they can learn on a real computer on a
day-to-day basis.
Ghana Kwahu Aduamoah, Ghana
Computers for special needs for Misungwi school, Tanzania Equipment: 72 computer assetsProject partners: Viafrica, Optelec, Lions Club Moshi Kibo
Misungwi school is an institution for pupils with special needs
located in the Mwanza region. The school welcomes 1,400
youngsters, including albinos, deaf and blind children, children
with impaired vision and orphans. In February 2012 the Lions
Club and Close the Gap together provided 70 computer assets,
including Braille keyboards and optical loupes. Close the Gap’s
service partner Viafrica took care of the installation and trained the
teachers to use the special ICT equipment.
Misungwai School, Tanzania
Bridge the digital divide in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the CongoEquipment: 603 computer assetsProject partners: A private fund managed by the King Baudouin Foundation
In most schools in and around Butembo, pupils only have
theoretical knowledge of ICT because of the lack of computers.
The WIMA network (“Stand up!” in Swahili) gathered all social
actors in the Butembo region to make a joint order for computers
and ensure the sustainability of the project by guaranteeing the
maintenance of the computers. A private Belgian fund pre-financed
603 computer assets for 60 organisations ranging from primary
and secondary schools, through to women’s organisations and
medical centres to youth organisations and mutualities in the
vicinity of Butembo.
Bridge the digital divide in Butembo, D.R.C.
“Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
42
ProjeCT examPles
💻
5
4SOS Children’s Villages, RwandaEquipment: 100 computer assets and one multifunctional printer
Close the Gap sent 100 computer assets and one multifunctional
printer to the technical school of SOS Children’s Villages in Kigali,
Rwanda. SOS Children’s Villages is active in 133 countries and
territories. They help children in need to shape their own futures
and share in the development of their communities. Close the
Gap’s computers were installed in the SOS Children’s Village
located in Kacyiru, close to the Kigali city centre. This children’s
village has a school that welcomes 214 youngsters from difficult
socio-economic backgrounds. It offers three years of vocational
training in informatics, electricity, carpentry and accountancy to
young people between the ages of 17 and 21.
SOS Children’s Villages, Rwanda
Computers for the Technical University of Mombasa, KenyaEquipment: 470 computer assets
In September 2012 the Technical University of Mombasa
inaugurated its new computer lab with 470 computer assets that
will allow hundreds of students to gain access to information and
research. The University consists of the faculties of Engineering
and Technology, Applied and Health Sciences, and Business and
Social Studies. There are also two directorates: the Directorate
of Information Technology Communication Services and the
Directorate of Research.
Technical University of Mombasa
““In today’s society, being able to
use a computer is a must in order
to pursue university studies and
ultimately perform on the job
market. I would like my youngsters
to master ICT skills in order to be
equipped as well as possible to start
their professional careers.” ⸏
Mr. Alfred MunyentwariNational Director SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
43
ProjeCT examPles
💻
1 2Below is an overview of a selection of projects that received
financial support from Close the Gap’s strategic partners for the
costs related to the refurbishing and transportation of computers.
Close the Gap and Ricoh join forces for a better future for orphaned children, South Africa Equipment: 20 computer assets Adopting partner: Ricoh and DHL
SOSA Foundation (Support Orphans in Southern Africa) focuses
on orphaned children in South Africa who have been directly or
indirectly affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. With limited resources
and responding to local and often simple needs, SOSA wants
to offer children a more secure future. Thanks to a corporate
fund-raising activity organised by Ricoh, Close the Gap facilitated
the donation of computers for two orphanages in South Africa.
Instead of giving money, SOSA offers immediate assistance
in terms of food, health care, education and demand-driven
assistance such as psychiatric consultations. SOSA is an initiative
of JP Skinner, a Ricoh employee, and his wife. JP is originally from
South Africa but now lives and works in the Netherlands.
SOSA Foundation, South Africa
Computers for Congolese schools thanks to Air France Foundation, Democratic Republic of the Congo Equipment: 300 computer assetsService partner: Benelux Afro Centre (BAC) Adopting partner: Air France Foundation
The Air France Foundation is the proud adopter of a project for
implementing 300 computer assets in 10 secondary schools in the
Kinshasa area. The computers are installed by Close the Gap’s
service partner BAC. IT equipment is much needed in schools
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Close the Gap is
pleased to collaborate with these partners for the swift and smooth
implementation of the project.
Project adopted by Air France Foundation, D.R.C.
““We have computers but they are so outdated that we really struggle.
So if the kids need to print for school, it gets tricky because they don’t
have USB ports and they don’t have CD writing software.
Thanks a lot for the computers for the orphanage!” ⸏
Testimonial from Oasis Haven orphanage
ProjeCT adoPTions
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
44
ProjeCT examPles
💻
3 4
“"As you might expect, this project has generated much interest in the
world of education in the DRC. As the need is enormous we received
requests from Kinshasa and from the provinces. Our challenge now is
to find other sponsors, new donors to finance the acquisition of more
equipment in order to give the same chance to everyone.
If you do it by yourself, the process is slow and difficult.
But all together, we can get there faster." ⸏
Dr. Ndudi PhasiPresident BAC
First Rabobank computers installed in Tanzanian schools.Equipment: 200 computer assets Service partner: Affordable Computers and Technology for Tanzania (ACTT)Adopting partner: Rabobank
In 2012 more than 200 computer assets were installed in four
schools in Tanzania having a total of 2,000 students. The 900
students of the Hady School in Arusha were the lucky recipients of
the first donation. In Tanzania, Close the Gap works with its local
partner ACTT, which takes care of the distribution, installation
and maintenance of the donated equipment. Additionally, for each
‘new’ computer delivered, an old computer is collected locally and
recycled by Close the Gap’s recycling partner WorldLoop.
Arusha Hady School, Tanzania
ICT4Education in East Africa, Rwanda and Tanzania Equipment: 220 computer assets Service partner: ICT4ALL (Rwanda) and ACTT (Tanzania)Adopting partner: Stichting Gillès
At the end of 2011, Stichting Gillès decided to adopt projects in
Rwanda and Tanzania to support new partnerships with service
partners in both countries. The main goal is to enhance education
in the East African Community by providing 220 computer assets
and ICT training to schools in collaboration with local service
partners ICT4ALL and ACTT. Stichting Gillès also wanted to
contribute to the development of environmentally sound e-waste
management solutions in the countries involved in collaborations
with WordLoop.
School in Tanzania
Projects in develoPing and emerging countries
45
ProjeCT examPles
💻
04worldlooP
Once equipment reaches the end of its productive life in the developing countries, it is important to organise recycling
and safe disposal of the equipment. Environmentally sound management of e-waste is a complex process and requires
specialised equipment and expertise. The take-back systems and specialised processing infrastructure necessary are
currently almost non-existent in developing countries and when e-waste enters the standard waste stream, or is broken
down in the wrong conditions, it can cause serious health problems as well as severe environmental damage.
CreaTing an inTegraTed e-wasTe soluTion
*
* WorldLoop is a brandname of the legal entity WorldPC vzw/asbl. For more information on WorldLoop’s activities or to receive a copy of WorldLoop’s annual report 2012, please visit www.worldloop.org or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
46
Any product or by-product that requires a
voltage to operate and has reached its end
of life or productive use can be considered
as e-waste. This can include personal
electronics such as computers, mobile
phones, hairdryers, radios, water kettles,
as well as larger white goods (refrigerators,
washer/dryers, etc.). By-products include
batteries, cables, SIM cards, etc. Most
e-waste contains hazardous chemicals and
materials, including lead, mercury and
cadmium.
The e-waste challenge, both from local
consumption as well as illegal dumping, is
exacerbated in developing countries due
to the lack of enforcement and regulatory
resources available on an international
level. The problem is also made worse
by the limited availability of legislation,
specialised infrastructure and expertise
necessary to handle e-waste properly in
developing countries to reduce the threat
to the environment and people’s health.
E-waste can be severely damaging to entire
communities by increasing air and water
pollution, which may lead to poisoning,
miscarriage, mental handicap and even
death.
aBouT e-wasTe
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
47
aBouT e-wasTe
Additionally, developing countries are still
the primary recipient of illegally exported
e-waste coming from the developed
world. Although these activities have been
banned under the United Nations Basel
Convention and written into legislation in
the EU and OECD since the early 1990s,
e-waste continues to be exported from
areas such as North America, Europe
and Australia. A 2002 study completed
by the Basel Action Network (BAN), a
watchdog organisation based in the United
States, reported that 80% of e-waste
that was being sent to local recyclers was
not processed domestically but diverted
offshore. This translates into 10.2 million
units per year. BAN reported that in 2003,
160,000 tonnes of e-waste was exported
from the United Kingdom.
Despite difficulties in obtaining data on
new and used Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (EEE), as statistical data
does not distinguish between these two
categories of products, the studies in
Ghana, for example, revealed that in 2009
around 70% of all imports were used
EEE. 30% of the used EEE imported was
determined to be non-functioning (hence
should have been defined as e-waste): half
of this amount was repaired locally and
sold to consumers and the other half was
not repairable. It is unclear how much
of the remaining imported used EEE
functioned for a reasonable time after it
was sold. This so-called ‘near-end-of-life’
equipment, imported into West African
countries as equipment but functioning
for a relatively short time, can be another
major source of e-waste.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda had over 10
million mobile phone subscribers in 2010.
And this number is increasing every year.
As new ICT end-users become connected,
ICT hardware consumption will increase,
and as these products become obsolete,
the volume of e-waste will also increase.
Today, Kenya generates an average of
3,000 tonnes of e-waste each year from
computers, monitors, printers, mobile
phones, fridges, batteries, etc.
Because the demand for electrical and
electronic appliances in developing
countries is growing exponentially, e-waste
is growing proportionally too. According
to a recent UNEP report10, the amount of
e-waste being produced in some of these
countries – including from mobile phones
and computers – could rise by as much as
500% over the next decade.
e-wasTe in develoPing CounTries
Table 111. iCT use in eaC year 2010 and 2003
CounTry esTimaTed inTerneT users % moBile Phone users % Personal ComPuTers %
year 2010 2003 2010 2003 2010 2003
uganda 7.90 0.2518 27.02 1.59 1.69 0.29
kenya 8.67 1.5978 41.88 4.15 1.37 0.56
Tanzania 1.22 0.2977 30.62 1.27 0.91 0.36
rwanda 3.09 0.2516 13.61 1.1 0.30 0
Burundi 0.81 0.0875 5.95 0.45 0.85 0
10 United Nations News Service (2010-02-22). "As e-waste mountains soar, UN urges smart technologies to protect health".
11 United Nations-DPI/NMD - UN News Service Section. Asiimwe, E.N. (n.d.) E-waste Management in East African Community. Page 5. Figures in table are converted to percentages.
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
48
aBouT e-wasTe
e-wasTe as a resourCe
Table 212. Quantitivedata for eee in Benin, Côte d'ivoire, ghana, liberia and nigeria related to eee imports, use and e-waste generated
CounTry year imPorTs of eee eee in use e-wasTe generaTed
Tonnes/ year
Tonnes/ year
Tonnes kg/ inhaBiTanT
Tonnes/ year
Thereof ColleCTed
Benin 2009 16,000 16,000 55,000 6.32 9,700 n/a
Côte d'ivoire 2009 25,000 25,000 100,000 4.8 15,000 n/a
ghana 2009 215,000 215,000 984,000 41 179,000 172,000
liberia 2009 3,500 3,500 17,000 4.6 n/a n/a
nigeria 2010 1,200,000 1,200,000 6,800,000 44 1,100,000 n/a
However, it is assumed that in 2010
in five selected West African countries
(Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Liberia and
Nigeria) between 50% and 85% of e-waste
was domestically generated out of the
consumption of new or used EEE of good
quality with a reasonable life-span. For the
West African countries this means between
650,000 and 1,000,000 tonnes of domestic
e-waste generated per annum, which needs
to be managed.
Although e-waste contains toxic elements
that can be extremely damaging to
individual health and the environment,
e-waste also contains materials that have
economic value when extracted. Thus
e-waste can have a positive impact on a
community by stimulating an economy
around the recycling of e-waste in an
environmentally correct manner, so
creating jobs and economic returns. When
the hazardous components are processed
properly, the amount and quality of
valuable fractions recovered increases, so
improving their resale value. This is why
environmentally sound dismantling and
recycling processes are key.
In order to tackle the problem of e-waste
in developing and emerging countries, in
2009 Close the Gap created WorldPC,
now WorldLoop13. WorldLoop helps
local communities establish an efficient,
operational and self-funded system for
e-waste collection and recycling.
12 Source: Basel Convention (2011). Where are WEEE in Africa. Page 12. The date presented is based on the e-waste country assessement re-ports of the respective countries: Benin (CSEE et al. 2011), Côte d'Ivoire (CECAF et al. 2011), Ghana (Green Advocacy et al. 2011), Liberia (N.C. Sanitor's & Strother et al. 2011), Nigeria (BCCC-Nigeria et al. 2011)
13WorldLoop, a brand name of WorldPC vzw/asbl, is a spin-off organisation created by Close the Gap Int. vzw in 2009 to take care of e-waste from end-of-life hardware in developing countries.
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
49
aBouT e-wasTe
aBouT worldlooP
hisTory
Close the Gap introduced the concept of creating a public-private partnership to facilitate the creation of an environmentally
sound e-waste management system in the East African Community after identifying a need for accessible environmentally
safe recycling processes for e-waste in the developing countries. From this idea WorldPC vzw/asbl was born. A feasibility
study, conducted by Close the Gap in a consortium with two external consultants, formed
the basis of the future blueprint for WorldPC. This feasibility study was funded on a 50/50
basis by the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC-CTB) and Close the Gap.
Based on the outcome of the above-mentioned feasibility study
and thanks to the support of early believers, sponsors and strategic
partners, Close the Gap set up a pilot project.
In September 2011 Close the Gap inaugurated the WEEE Centre,
WorldPC’s first facility for recycling e-waste in Nairobi (Kenya).
A high-level delegation of European Union representatives led by
European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes, corporate
supporters, Close the Gap and strategic partners attended the
special event.
Ms. Neelie Kroes inaugurates the WEEE Centre
The WorldPC pilot project was financed
through a mechanism of e-Resource Cer-
tificates that were voluntarily purchased
by sponsors in Europe. With the support
of the certificates, over 2,500 computer as-
sets were collected and recycled in Kenya
during the pilot project. The hazardous
fractions of the computers which could
not be recycled locally were shipped back
to Europe, ensuring a closed loop recycling
system for all e-waste components.
New partnership
Recupel, the organisation for the collection and recy-
cling of WEEE in Belgium, had been involved in chal-
lenging the business plan of WorldPC and acted as a
knowledge partner for Close the Gap and WorldPC.
After a fruitful and constructive initial collaboration,
Recupel and Close the Gap were ready to take the
partnership to the next level. On 21 September 2011
the Board of Directors of Recupel decided to formalise
the collaboration with WorldPC. In the coming years,
Recupel will actively support WorldPC by providing
significant funds for its operational plan to achieve
self-sustainability within three to five years.
Ms. Neelie Kroes, Mr. Peter Sabbe and Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde
2008
2011
WEEE Centre
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
50
aBouT worldlooP
Today, WorldLoop is an advocacy organisation raising awareness
and funds to create a recycling infrastructure in the East African
region in which Close the Gap operates. WorldLoop uses the
funds raised to support local entrepreneurs in Africa and to set
up e-waste recycling centres aligned to internationally recognised
recycling standards to ensure the environmentally sound end-of-life
handling of electronic waste.
During the inauguration
ceremony of the rebranding
of WorldLoop, Mr. Jan
Vlak, Director Wecycle the
Netherlands, expressed his
appreciation of the sustainable
approach WorldLoop is bringing
to ICT4Dev work, in particular
in relation to computers
donated in the Netherlands for
new destinations in developing
countries.
““I love the idea that you have
responsible use, reuse and then
recycling. That is the first step in
getting away from our linear way
of thinking in society and back to
a circular way of thinking, which is
the most natural way for creating a
sustainable society.”⸏
Prince Carlos de Bourbon de Parme
2012
The invaluable support of sponsors and partners
helped WorldPC to be launched with the new brand
name WorldLoop. It was also given a dedicated
management team, which leveraged the momentum
created by Close the Gap to expand its collection
scope, geographical reach and promote the importance
of environmentally sound e-waste management
in developing countries. On 24 September 2012
WorldPC announced the rebranding to WorldLoop in
the presence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Prince
Carlos de Bourbon de
Parme. This new name
represents the mission
of recycling all ICT
equipment (and not only
PCs) through a closed
loop solution.
““As we know, reuse of well
performing appliances is a better
option than recycling. However
we have to prevent export for
reuse as a cover for illegal export
of e-waste. Therefore, it is very
important to collaborate with
well organised and responsible
organisations such as
Close the Gap.”⸏
Mr. Jan VlakManaging Director Wecycle
Prince Carlos de Bourbon de Parme, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde
Mr. Jan Vlak, Director Wecycle
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
51
aBouT worldlooP
The Board of Directors14 advises on the management and
strategic development of the organisation and currently
consists of four members with specific expertise in
WorldLoop's focus areas.
Prof. em. Dr. Wim A.G. BlonkChairman of the Board
Drs. Hennie Wesseling Board Member
Mr. Olivier Vanden EyndeFounder and Managing Director
Close the Gap Int. vzw/asblRepresented by Prof. em. Dr. Wim A.G. Blonk
governanCe
oBjeCTives of worldlooP
14 The legal entity is for the time being WorldPC vzw/asbl – all governance around WorldLoop is managed by the Board of Directors, Management and General Assembly of WorldPC vzw/asbl
34
21
Awareness creation:To create awareness, drive action and
engage in knowledge sharing with regard
to e-waste in developing countries;
Set up facilities: To facilitate the creation of an operational
and economically viable network of
collection points, dismantling and
recycling facilities to process e-waste in a
safe and environmentally sound way;
Engage collaboration: To engage in fundraising to help e-waste
management initiatives in developing
countries become self-sustaining.
Quality assurance: To act as a quality label for actors involved
in e-waste management, guaranteeing
100% sustainable end-of-life treatment for
e-waste;
key faCTs and figures 2012
11,286ComPuTer asseTs ColleCTed and reCyCled
in kenya (+/- 150 Tonnes)
10,276e-resourCe CerTifiCaTes sold
12Tonnes of PrinTed CirCuiT Board
shiPPed BaCk To euroPe for TreaTmenT
aT a PreCious meTal refiner (umiCore)
assoCiaTed ProjeCTs in evaluaTion
Phase To BeCome memBers in 2013
4
17inTernaTional ConferenCes and leCTures
on e-wasTe managemenT
ParTiCiPaTed in
2sTarT-uP of new PiloT ProjeCTs in
rwanda and TanZania
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
52
aBouT worldlooP
WorldLoop does not manage any recycling operations itself,
but acts as a catalyst, linking together actors involved in e-waste
collection, dismantling, recycling, disposal, transport and logistics,
providing support and monitoring for local e-waste recycling
operations.
The WorldLoop model strives for maximum empowerment of local
organisations and supports those involved in e-waste collection,
dismantling and recycling by providing the following services:
Financial supportWorldLoop provides seed funding to collection, dismantling &
recycling facilities, allowing these facilities to start up, invest in
infrastructure and become self-sustaining. Financial support from
WorldLoop is time-limited and has a co-funding requirement.
Technical assistanceWorldLoop supports member facilities by providing business plan
support, training, advice on quality assurance, workers safety and
recycling standards implementation, and by sharing knowledge &
expertise.
International disposal of hazardous fractionsThrough strategic partnerships with best in class recyclers in
Europe, WorldLoop is able to provide member facilities with
a recycling and disposal solution for complex and hazardous
fractions that cannot be processed locally in a safe and environ-
mentally sound way.
The nature of the collaboration between WorldLoop and member
organizations differs case by case depending on the project needs
and the outcome of a project screening process.
The WorldLoop operational model is based on the Best-of-2-
Worlds15 approach, combining local collection and dismantling
efforts in developing countries with best-in-class technologically
advanced recycling solutions available in OECD countries, thus
providing a win-win solution for the economy, environment and
society and an alternative to primitive recycling practices.
Much has been researched on the potential benefits of a Best-of-
2-Worlds approach to support developing and emerging countries
addressing their e-waste, elevating e-waste recycling from primitive
practices to a formal solution in these regions. In 2010 StEP
conducted an extensive research project to validate the approach
and found that through increasing proper manual dismantling in
the pre-processing stages and adopting state-of-the-art technology
for the complex fractions, the environmental impact of recycling is
reduced while economic gains increase.
1 direCT shredding
2 ToxiCs removal & shredding
3 Bo2w (Best-of-2-worlds) - ParTial dismanTling & shredding
4 Bo2w - ComPleTe dismanTling
5 informal reCyCling (estimated)
6 ConTrolled landfill
7 msw (municipal solid waste) inCineraTion
Economic loss
Environmental loss Environmental gain
Economic gain
€/Kg
(mPts)
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6
-600 -400 -200 200 400 600
1
234
76
5
Table 316.
oPeraTional model
15 Best-of-2-Worlds is a concept developed by the multi-stakeholder Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Initiative hosted by the UN’s research arm, the United Nations University (UNU) which provides a network and pragmatic solution for e-waste treatment in emerging economies. It seeks technical and logistic integration of ‘best’ pre-processing in developing countries to manually dismantle e-waste and ‘best’ end-processing to treat hazardous and complex fractions in international state-of-the-art end-processing facilities.
16 Wang, F., et al. The Best-of-2-Worlds philosophy: Developing local dismantling and global infrastructure network for sustainable e-waste treatment in emerging economies. Waste Management (2012).
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
53
oPeraTional model
Through the network of partners and sponsors, WorldLoop has
been able to move beyond discussion to action. Through profes-
sional mindshare, training and financial support, member organi-
sations in Africa are able to increase the quantity and quality
of resources extracted, so participating in a sustainable e-waste
management system and a closed loop solution for the hazardous
fractions that are sent to Europe for treatment.
The operational network consists of organisations involved in:Collection:
Being able to recycle large volumes of e-waste requires an extensive
network of organisations involved in the collection of end-of-life
electronics. Collection is considered the biggest challenge to solving
the e-waste problem in developing countries, as the infrastructure
for collection is generally unavailable in most countries.
Manual dismantling:
After end-of-life electronics have been collected, they are manually
dismantled with the non-hazardous fractions such as iron, steel,
copper and aluminium separated from the hazardous components.
Non-hazardous components can be resold on the local market to
be reintroduced into local production processes.
Automated processing:
After manual dismantling, certain e-waste components need to
be processed using specialised equipment or machinery to ensure
environmentally sound recycling (e.g. cathode ray tubes, wires)
or to reduce their volume (e.g. by removing plastic casings from
cables).
International recycling and disposal:
Some e-waste components are hazardous (containing toxic
substances) or highly complex. These components require
specialised treatment that is currently only available in some
OECD countries. Using the best-in-class, technologically highly
advanced recycling techniques ensures recycling that is environ-
mentally sound and also allows the extraction of the maximum
value from the components. Examples of e-waste fractions that
require recycling and disposal in OECD countries are printed
circuit boards, lead-containing glass, transformers, mixed scrap
and device-specific components containing toxic substances.
“ “What we have to imagine is a system that combines the best approaches of the
entrepreneurship in developing countries with the technology that we have in our
countries. Systems like Close the Gap foster partnerships to reuse electronics for
educational and development purposes. Within this system,
WorldLoop generates local value from the collection and
pre-processing of end-of-life electronics and uses the best
available recycling technologies like those we have here at
Umicore in Hoboken, Belgium.”
“WorldLoop generates
local value from the
collection and pre-
processing of end-of-life
electronics”⸏
Mr. Thomas LeysenChairman KBC Group and Umicore
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
54
CurrenT ProjeCTs
A WorldLoop member is an individual
or organisation that participates in the
WorldLoop network and receives financial
and consulting support from WorldLoop in
exchange for transparency and compliance
to WorldLoop standards.
CurrenT ProjeCTs
WEEE Centre, KenyaThe WEEE Centre is at the forefront of
managing e-waste and raising awareness
of its work among the Kenyan population.
There is a general lack of awareness of
e-waste issues and the WEEE Centre takes
every opportunity to inform the public
about e-waste and how they can participate
in the WEEE Centre’s cause. The WEEE
Centre was formally inaugurated on
27 September 2011 in the presence
of the Vice-President of the European
Commission Neelie Kroes. The WEEE
Centre was created as a joint project by
Close the Gap, WorldLoop, Computers for
Schools Kenya and Digital Pipeline Africa.
WorldLoop was involved in developing the
business plan, providing seed capital and
setting up the facility. Today, WorldLoop
is involved with the WEEE Centre by
monitoring operations, providing expertise
and operational support and managing
the recycling and disposal of hazardous
fractions.
Great Lakes Electronics Management, RwandaGreat Lakes Electronics Management
Ltd (GLEM) was incorporated in January
2012. The company was set up to solve the
growing e-waste problem in Rwanda with
enthusiasm and conviction. WorldLoop
supported the start-up of the company
with the development of a business plan,
and has provided training on e-waste
recycling, offered ad hoc expertise and
operational support and supplied pilot
project seed funding for the collection of
the first 1,000 PCs.
Viafrica, TanzaniaViafrica is a well-established ICT4Dev
social business that has been providing
hardware and software solutions, training
and support in Africa since 2003.
WorldLoop is supporting Viafrica to
include e-waste collection as a service for
local communities at their centre in Moshi,
Tanzania. Viafrica has already collected
over 400 computers from local schools
and started running awareness-raising
campaigns with businesses.
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
55
CurrenT ProjeCTs
e-resourCe CerTifiCaTe Programme
1. Provide seed capital to local entrepreneurs in developing
countries starting up e-waste collection and dismantling
activities;
2. Contribute to the operational costs of local WorldLoop
members from the start-up phase until the member reaches the
point of financial self-sufficiency;
3. Drive challenging methods of e-waste collection;
4. Ensure a high-quality standard of operation in terms of proper
training, environmental compliance and transparent financial
management. By combining local collection and dismantling
efforts in developing countries with international disposal in
best-in-class recycling facilities in Europe for complex and
hazardous fractions, the certificates enable a Best-of-2-Worlds
solution and ensure 100% environmentally sound recycling;
5. Drive international awareness-raising campaigns.
WorldLoop exercises a like-for-like philosophy through the
sale of their e-Resource Certificates. The certificate represents an
investment in the creation of an e-waste recycling infrastructure in
the developing world to ensure that the entire end-of-life supply
chain is supported.
As a market-driven fundraising mechanism, the certificates enable:
1. Consumers of first life ICT equipment to neutralise their
e-waste footprint by supporting the environmentally sound
recycling of ICT equipment in developing countries;
2. ICT projects in developing countries to ensure that the
hardware that is imported is neutralised through an environ-
mentally sound recycling channel.
So one complete computer, from the valuable fractions to the
hazardous material, is collected and recycled in an environmen-
tally sound manner.
This means:
• 20 kg of waste does not end up in landfills
• 10 kg of metal and 2 kg of plastics can be resold on local
second-hand markets, so driving resource conservation and
stimulating the local economy, including by creating new jobs
in the recycling sector
• 8 kg of complex and hazardous fractions are transported to
Europe to be recycled in an environmentally sound way there.
For each e-Resource Certificate issued, the customer receives an
overview of the environmental impact guaranteed by WorldLoop,
and the methods used in collection and recycling.
The following companies have supported WordLoop through the
purchase of e-Resource Certificates: 2E2, Belgian Development
Agency (BTC/CTB), Air France Foundation, Antwerp World
Diamond Centre, Carolus Management, CharITy Foundation,
Deloitte SE, DNS Belgium, DSM, Eksbit, Essent, Exact, Stichting
Gillès, ICT Media BV, KLM/Air France Group, Mr. Piet Mosch
(former CIO of De Nederlandsche Bank), PGGM, Provimi and
Rabobank.
WorldLoop empowers corporations
to have a direct positive impact on the
environment and stimulate local economies
in developing countries by reducing the
negative impact of e-waste. Financial
contributions help WorldLoop to:
Your organisation can partner with WorldLoop to change the e-waste cycle by offsetting your IT footprint through the purchase of e-Resource Certificates, becoming a strategic partner and spreading the word. To learn more, visit www.worldloop.org
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
56
e-resourCe CerTifiCaTe Programme
AIR is a Brussels-based creative and
branding consulting firm that offers
end-to-end support for clients’ creative
needs. AIR provides WorldLoop with
creative and strategic in-kind support of
communication activities. It managed
all the activities for rebranding WorldPC
as WorldLoop. AIR also takes care of
WorldLoop’s communication tools and the
creation of awareness-raising campaigns.
Coolrec is a leading European
recycling company that is part of the
Van Gansewinkel Group, which gives
waste a second life in the form of raw
materials. Coolrec specialises in recycling
metal/plastic combinations such as from
electrical appliances and ICT. Coolrec
provides recycling and disposal services
to WorldLoop, allowing environmen-
tally sound and closed loop recycling of
WorldLoop operations. Coolrec supports
WorldLoop by providing technical
expertise and other in-kind support.
Recupel organises the collection and
processing of WEEE for Belgium, in
accordance with the “take-back obligation”
laid down by the European Commission.
Recupel supported the WorldPC Project
by offering strategic advice and expertise
in the set-up of the business model. In
2012 Recupel also committed to provide
seed funding for the operational costs of
WorldLoop, allowing WorldLoop to kick
off as an independent organisation.
worldlooP’s sTraTegiC ParTners
WorldLoop’s strategic partners are organi-
sations that contribute to WorldLoop’s
mission by offering financial and in-kind
support that is closely aligned with their
organisation’s core business.
““By supporting WorldLoop,
we want to “walk the talk”
and prove that setting up a
proper recycling system in
these countries is feasible
and the best solution for
turning this problem into
an opportunity.”⸏
Mr. Peter SabbeCEO Recupel
“Operating as the Belgian e-waste collection scheme, we are often confronted with
questions about the unhealthy and environmentally unfriendly recycling of e-waste in
African countries. By supporting WorldLoop, we want to “walk the talk” and prove that
setting up a proper recycling system in these countries is feasible and the best solution
for turning this problem into an opportunity. A tangible start was made end of 2011
with the first recycling centre in Kenya and now WorldLoop is growing into a great
network of recycling centres covering the African continent
and beyond. The successful operations of WorldLoop are
creating a “license to operate” for organisations such as
Close the Gap and others, making a real difference to so
many people in developing countries. ICT for Development
as a leverage for change, from education, microfinance
and entrepreneurship to healthcare and good governance,
that’s what it’s all about! We want to make the world a
better place for the many people living in disadvantaged
environments.”
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
57
worldlooP’s sTraTegiC ParTners
““The collaboration of Umicore with
WorldLoop fits in perfectly with
our sustainability vision. We bring
an answer to the scarcity of raw
materials, through the recycling
of end-of-life electronics, whilst
WorldLoop helps local communities
to establish an efficient, operational
and self-funded system for e-waste
collection in developing countries.
We are proud that besides helping
our local community, we can
also contribute to a better life for
communities further abroad.” ⸏
Mr. Koen DemesmaekerSenior Vice-President Precious Metals Refining - Recycling
Umicore is a global materials technology group. It focuses on
application areas where its expertise in materials science, chemistry
and metallurgy makes a real difference. Umicore processed the
first container of mother boards from the computers processed in
the pilot project in Kenya. Through its support, Umicore allowed
the WorldPC Project to ensure a closed loop and proper recycling
of all e-waste components.
The WEEE Forum is a European association of 41 electrical and
electronic waste producer compliance schemes. Its mission is to
provide a platform for co-operation and exchange of best practices,
and so optimise the effectiveness of the operations of the member
organisations, while striving for excellence and continuous
improvement in environmental performance. The WEEE Forum
seeks to be a centre of competence that allows members to make
constructive contributions to the general debate on e-waste policy
matters.
The following organisaTions are sTraTegiC ParTners of worldlooP as well as
Close The gaP.
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
58
worldlooP’s sTraTegiC ParTners
The balance between the benefits that ICT brings to societies
across the globe and the end-of-life management of hardware is
still a challenge that requires strong international collaboration.
The number of people who are passionate and engaged in this
discussion, from manufacturers and international recyclers,
corporations and small businesses, governments and civil society,
is a sign of the importance and possibilities of finding lasting
solutions.
It is inspiring to see how far Close the Gap’s e-waste recycling
project has gone, from an idea to a true zero-waste-to-landfill
solution that provides Close the Gap with a continued licence
to operate. Through the strong relationship with Close the Gap,
the beneficiaries and WorldLoop, ICT4Dev can continue to bring
positive change to the communities that can benefit most, without
harming those regions that are most at risk of e-waste exposure.
Today, WorldLoop is active in three countries in the East African
Community. WorldLoop is committed to improving operations
and assisting these areas in reaching internationally recognised
recycling standards. Additionally, as an organisation committed
to reducing environmental impact, WorldLoop is undertaking a
CO2 assessment of its operational model. Based on these results,
WorldLoop, with the help of international partners, will be able
to find even more ways of improving practices while reducing the
environmental impact.
In the coming years, WorldLoop looks to continue engaging with
local entrepreneurs in other African regions and around the world
to achieve its vision of a world without e-waste. WorldLoop’s focus
is on West Africa and the Southern Africa region to establish the
infrastructure and network of collection, sorting, dismantling and
pre-processing according to the high standards of recycling found
internationally. WorldLoop’s experience will be shared with others,
as the organisation hopes to come up with sustainable solutions
that will ultimately make its existence unnecessary.
Through the hard work and dedication of our supporters and
partnerships in Africa, we have started on the road to transforming
e-waste from an environmental and social problem in developing
countries to an economic and environmental benefit.
worldlooP’s road ahead
Worldloop : creating an integrated e-Waste solution
59
worldlooP’s road ahead
05ProjeCTsin euroPe
Running parallel to its projects in developing and emerging countries, Close the Gap supports several projects in Europe which aim to enhance employability and empower the most
vulnerable people.
Projects in euroPe
60
★
1
2
P O W E R E D BY C L O S E T H E G A P
Launched in 2009 with the support of DNS Belgium,
PC Solidarity is Close the Gap’s project for countering the digital
divide in Belgium. Various Belgian studies and data collected by
the Directorate-General Statistics and Economic Information
show that the digital divide is closely linked to employment,
education and age of the (potential) user.
The aim of Close the Gap is to reach out to organisations that
help disadvantaged people to improve their skills in order to
enhance their chances on the labour market. PC Solidarity wants
to strengthen the ICT capacities of these organisations, both on an
infrastructural and a pedagogic level.
As a result of the fifth call for proposals launched at the end of 2011,
a total of 1,002 computer assets were distributed to 45 organisa-
tions throughout Belgium in 2012. In addition to hardware, the
organisations received a printer, access to preferential software
solutions, train-the-trainer courses and a financial contribution for
ICT-related services and equipment. The projects proposed for the
call in 2012 will be selected in 2013.
PC solidariTy ProjeCT examPles
““As an organisation active in socio-
cultural work it is not easy to
provide sufficient PC classes for our
participants. Thanks to PC Solidarity
we are able to provide good
computers for this vulnerable group.
Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to
use the Internet, e-mail and word
processing programs in our training.
This way, we can continue to
narrow the digital gap.”⸏
Mr. Hendrik De LucaCoordinator sector training & education Groep INTRO Ghent
Expansion PC - classes for job seekers and newcomers Organisation: Groep INTROEquipment: 44 computer assets
Groep INTRO is a non-profit organisation that provides job
coaching for job seekers from part-time learning and work centres
in Brussels and Flanders (Belgium). In 2012 they wished to
extend their computer classes in order to integrate the use of the
computers more regularly in their work-related training courses.
Groep Intro Ghent
Get to know your computer! Organisation: Centre de Développement Rural - HanEquipment: 20 computer assets
The Centre de Développement Rural (Rural Development
Centre) is a non-profit organisation which aims to promote
social gatherings, communication and training to enhance rural
development in the region of Han (Belgium), for instance through
socio-professional integration activities. The centre serves twenty
job seekers of all ages and nationalities, who are often vulnerable,
unskilled or long-term unemployed. In 2012 the centre received
20 computer assets for its training activities.
Centre de Développement Rural, Han
Projects in euroPe
61
PC solidariTy
★
ProjeCT ParTners
DNS Belgium is the driving force behind PC Solidarity. They
have been involved from the very beginning, acting as the
financial partner when the project was initiated in 2009. It is in
DNS Belgium’s ‘DNA’ to support social projects in Belgium as
they have a very strong CSR policy. In 2012 DNS Belgium also
organised the second edition of the ‘Bike to Close the Gap’ event,
where they gathered the very best of the ICT world to cycle to
benefit PC Solidarity. A more detailed account of DNS Belgium’s
involvement can be found in Chapter 6.
King Baudouin Foundation organises the PC Solidarity calls
for proposals.
Microsoft provides software (Windows 7 and Office 2007 Basic)
for the selected projects.
SOCIALware gives selected projects the opportunity to receive
donations from Cisco (network applications), Symantec (antivirus)
and Microsoft.
RICOH Belgium donates a printer to every selected project.
VDAB provides educational services and train-the-trainer courses.
Forem/Technofutur TIC provides educational services and
train-the-trainer courses.
““People that cannot use computers
miss a lot of opportunities on the
labour market. Therefore, the VDAB
wants to share its expertise with PC
Solidarity by offering training in the
transfer of ICT knowledge and free
training materials on basic ICT. As
a proud partner of PC Solidarity we
hope that, together, we can tackle
the challenge of bridging the digital
divide!” ⸏
Mr. Fons Leroy CEO VDAB
PC Solidarity helps to close the digital divide by providing not just the PCs that are needed by social and educational non-profit organisations, but also the related products and services without which PC training is unlikely to succeed.
Projects in euroPe
62
PC solidariTy
★
Be.Face is a non-profit organisation that brings together
companies and their communities to foster equal opportunities,
diversity and social inclusion of vulnerable groups. Be.Face is
primarily based on the involvement of member companies and
partnerships with economic and institutional partners. In 2012
Close the Gap started a new collaboration by delivering computers
to the projects supported.
Belgacom and its Foundation want to bridge the digital divide
within non-profit organisations and schools and offer free Internet
training at 13 points of sales. For all the projects, computers were
delivered by Close the Gap.
Bednet and Take Off are the Flemish-speaking and French-
speaking non-profit organisations respectively for children who
suffer from long-term and chronic diseases. Their aim is to create
a connection between the children and their own classroom
through the Internet. This way, the sick children can follow as
many courses as possible during their absence and stay in touch
with their teachers and classmates. In 2012 Close the Gap
donated computers to both organisations, partly via the Belgacom
Foundation.
Close the Gap delivered computers to Centra voor Basisedu-
catie. These learning centres offer basic adult education in
Flanders.
Network For Training Entrepreneurship (NFTE) organises
project calls for part-time educational centres and organises
e-learning courses for young people. Close the Gap delivered
computers to these centres.
Since end 2012 Close the Gap started delivering computers to
schools and non-profit organisations selected by the Telenet
Foundation.
oTher euroPean ProjeCTs
Projects in euroPe
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oTher euroPean ProjeCTs
★
06suPPorT Close The
gaP
Close the Gap’s success depends largely on the generosity of its computer donors and strategic partners. Close the Gap has two types of partnerships available. One becomes a
‘Friend of’ as soon as one donates ICT equipment to Close the Gap. If this same company or organisation wants to support Close the Gap financially, adopt a specific project, make an in-kind contribution or buy e-Resource Certificates from
Close the Gap’s partner organisation WorldLoop, this company or organisation becomes a ‘strategic partner’.
how To suPPorT Close The gaP?
support Close the Gap
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how To suPPorT Close The gaP?
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my ComPany/organisaTion wanTs To…
Donate computersClose the Gap collects high-quality used IT equipment from
European companies and organisations. The equipment is
collected in a professional way and at no cost to the donor.
Adopt a projectDoes your company have some connection with a specific emerging
or developing country? Would it like to support a project in a
specific field? Close the Gap gives companies and foundations the
opportunity to adopt a project. This way, companies help a project
to cover the costs related to the refurbishment and transportation
of computers.
Help financiallyClose the Gap works without any subsidies, so we count on the
generosity of private donors and foundations to help bridge the
digital divide. Do what many other companies do and support
Close the Gap through a financial donation.
Contribute in-kindYour company wants to help Close the Gap but you don’t know
how? A lot of companies help by offering us their core business.
Close the Gap is always looking for new partners that can assist
the organisation in its daily work in terms of project and office
management.““In banks, data security is a big
concern. We must be sure that
confidential information is not
disseminated by people using old
computers in the wrong way. That’s
why KBC has relied on its partner
Close the Gap for seven years now
to contribute to bridging the digital
divide worldwide.” ⸏
Mr. Thomas Leysen Chairman KBC Group and Umicore
““At Emakina, we have a lot of
talented workers, but they are also
citizens. That's why the Emakina
Foundation exists, and why we
collaborate with Close the Gap by
building and updating their website.
Giving a new life to IT material
and opening up the IT world to
thousands of people: it's work that
we consider important. Because
its actions bridge the digital divide
between the haves and have-nots,
Emakina.BE is proud to be the
digital partner of Close the Gap.” ⸏
Mr. Denis Steisel CEO Emakina
““The success of this
project lies in uniting our
stakeholders around this
cross-border humanitarian
adventure!” ⸏
Mr. Enrique CalabuigCEO Ricoh France
“We believe in this strong initiative to take back computers from European companies
to help the most vulnerable worldwide and, as a socially engaged company, Ricoh
France wants to contribute to this project. Through our network, we are able to help
Close the Gap to increase its awareness among French companies. We also support
the organisation through a yearly financial donation that helps to cover some project
costs. The success of this project lies in uniting our stakeholders around this cross-
border humanitarian adventure!”
support Close the Gap
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how To suPPorT Close The gaP?
♥
Help prevent e-waste in landfills in developing countriesClose the Gap created WorldLoop
in order to set up an environmen-
tally sound e-waste management
system in developing countries.
In 2011 WorldLoop set up
its first recycling centre in
Kenya, where Close the Gap’s
computers are recycled by local
partners. This recycling facility is
financed through a mechanism of
e-Resource Certificates that are voluntarily purchased by sponsors
in Europe. For each certificate bought by a European partner, one
asset is collected and recycled in Africa.
What’s in it for your company? Supporting Close the Gap benefits corporations as it creates
win-win situations in terms of:
• Transparent & reportable CSR activities
Close the Gap manages the social projects you support from
start to finish. Supporting Close the Gap contributes to the
growth of the company on a social level (in terms of employee
awareness and involvement and community investment)
and on an economical level (in terms of Social Return on
Investment).
• Logistics
Close the Gap offers one single point of contact for the
company’s end-of-life ICT hardware.
• Access and visibility in terms of a European B2B
network
Partners can benefit from Close the Gap’s extended network
at organised events, which may lead to interesting business
opportunities.
• Communication
Close the Gap offers tools to engage your employees and
stakeholders.
Recycling Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
““Essent IT wants to give its
hardware a secure data wipe and
a socially responsible second life.
This is exactly what Close the Gap
offers in a sustainable way! Besides
the donation of high-quality ICT
equipment, we go a step further by
financially supporting educational
projects in Uganda and South Africa.” ⸏
Mr. Jano Masarovic Information Manager Director Essent IT
From left to right: Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde, Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu, Prince Carlos de Bourbon de Parme, Mr. Carol Dona (CEO Ricoh Netherlands), Ms. Nicolette Kraay (CSR Manager Ricoh Netherlands)
support Close the Gap
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how To suPPorT Close The gaP?
♥
Thank you To our
'friends of'
aBn amro - acerta - adecco - aegon - ahold - air france - amnesty international -
axa - Coa - Belden - Belga - biomérieux - Bokiau - Cargill - Case logic - CCa international - Cegeka - Ceran - Coca-Cola entreprises - Coca-Cola Company - Cofely - Cofinimmo - Conseil de l'union européenne - daf - deloitte - The walt disney Company - edelman - enexis - essent - european schoolnet - exact - fabricom - fokker services Bv - gate gourmet - heerlen - gs1 - gsk vaccines - heineken france - holland venture (voyage et Culture) - honda - immobel - ing - interwaas - isB - isZf - jumbo - kBC - king Baudouin foundation - klm - kluwer - linea raffaelli - liberty global - manroland - médecins sans frontières - mobistar - nederlandse spoorwegen - ns hispeed - nxP - oCe - oCmw gent - oCmw leuven - onafTs/rkw - onva/rjv - onvZ - Politie leuven - Postnl - Prorail - Provincie vlaams-Brabant - Provincie west-vlaanderen - rabobank - robert half international - rode kruis - sas - schneider - sd worx - sinsys - starwood hotel & resorts - st. joseph krankenhaus - stork Technical services - synergics - Telenet - Thomson reuters - Toyota - Triodos
- TuC rail - uCB - uconnect - ugent - uPC - uZ antwerpen - uZ leuven - vuB - vwr - vTech - weekbladpers
aBn amro - acerta - adecco - aegon - ahold - air france - amnesty international -
axa - Coa - Belden - Belga - biomérieux - Bokiau - Cargill - Case logic - CCa international - Cegeka - Ceran - Coca-Cola entreprises - Coca-Cola Company - Cofely - Cofinimmo - Conseil de l'union européenne - daf - deloitte - The walt disney Company - edelman - enexis - essent - european schoolnet - exact - fabricom - fokker services Bv - gate gourmet - heerlen - gs1 - gsk vaccines - heineken france - holland venture (voyage et Culture) - honda - immobel - ing - interwaas - isB - isZf - jumbo - kBC - king Baudouin foundation - klm - kluwer - linea raffaelli - liberty global - manroland - médecins sans frontières - mobistar - nederlandse spoorwegen - ns hispeed - nxP - oCe - oCmw gent - oCmw leuven - onafTs/rkw - onva/rjv - onvZ - Politie leuven - Postnl - Prorail - Provincie vlaams-Brabant - Provincie west-vlaanderen - rabobank - robert half international - rode kruis - sas - schneider - sd worx - sinsys - starwood hotel & resorts - st. joseph krankenhaus - stork Technical services - synergics - Telenet - Thomson reuters - Toyota - Triodos
- TuC rail - uCB - uconnect - ugent - uPC - uZ antwerpen - uZ leuven - vuB - vwr - vTech - weekbladpers
support Close the Gap
67 ♥
Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTners
CorPoraTe ParTners
Acerta is a leading human resources services provider in Belgium
that specialises in consultancy, and the digitisation and organi-
sation of administrative processes for payroll, social security, child
benefits and branch procedures. Acerta supports Close the Gap by
offering social secretariat and payroll services and training.
Air France is the French flag carrier and one of the world’s largest
airlines. It serves 35 destinations in France and operates scheduled
passenger and cargo services worldwide to 191 destinations. Air
France supports Close the Gap through preferential prices for the
transport of computers to their destination.
The Air France Foundation supports computer donations for
educational projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the flag carrier airline of the
Netherlands. KLM operates scheduled passenger and cargo
services worldwide to more than 90 destinations. KLM supports
Close the Gap by providing free cargo transport for donated
computers to KLM destinations. In 2012 KLM executed 23
shipments for Close the Gap to destinations across the globe.
The KLM AirCares programme supports Close the Gap by
generating as much publicity as it can for the projects supported
using in-flight promotional films, articles in KLM's magazines, by
providing information on their corporate website and increasingly
through social media. KLM also initiates special campaigns, takes
part in fund-raising activities and offers logistical support.
Close the Gap has been selected as one of the preferred partners
of Air France/KLM Belux. This allows Close the Gap to receive
visibility in Air France/KLM Belux communication programmes,
including the Flying Blue Partner programme.
Belgacom is the largest telecommunications company in Belgium.
In 2012 Close the Gap delivered computers to non-profit organi-
sations and schools selected by Belgacom and to Belgacom points
of sale in order to organise Internet training.
Computer Task Group is an IT solutions company active in
North America and Europe that specialises in services which
improve the management and delivery of both business and IT
projects. Computer Task Group manages all the network services
of Close the Gap.
The auditing and consulting firm Deloitte is an important and
long-time loyal supporter of Close the Gap, helping to guarantee
the transparent and professional use of funds raised through
sponsors and donors.
Deloitte Belgium assists Close the Gap with external audits, tax
advice, accountancy, legal services as well as business development.
In 2012 Deloitte Belgium adopted an ICT project in Tanzania and
a team of employees went on-site to give ICT training.
Deloitte Netherlands supports Close the Gap through its
Deloitte Fair Chance Foundation. Furthermore, Deloitte
Netherlands hosted Close the Gap’s strategic partner day in 2012.
Deloitte Societas Europaea (SE) is a Deloitte cross-border
European entity that enables the Deloitte companies in Belgium,
““The Air France foundation is
proud to give logistical help to this
talented social entrepreneurial
organisation that is Close the
Gap. Our partnership in helping
vulnerable youngsters to use high-
quality pre-owned computers in a
proper and secure way is essential
to us.” ⸏
Mr. Frédéric VerdierGeneral Manager Air France/KLM Belux
support Close the Gap
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTners
♥
France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Central Europe and
Luxembourg to collaborate on various issues, including corporate
social responsibility. In 2012 Deloitte SE supported two univer-
sities in Western Uganda. The support goes further than providing
access to ICT, as Deloitte will involve employees from its different
companies to stimulate university students on an entrepreneurial
level, based on Deloitte’s core values.
“At Deloitte Belgium we find it important to make a distinctive
impact through our corporate social responsibility projects. This is
why we closely collaborate with strategic partners, such as Close
the Gap, that share our corporate social responsibility goals of
promoting education, innovation, entrepreneurship and respect
for the environment.”
Design is Dead is a cross-disciplinary creative agency of
craftsmen with keyboards. Delivering solid strategies, out-of-the-
box concepts and highly addictive visual eye candy is what they
have been doing since 1998. “We don’t just execute your briefing.
We blow your mind.” At the end of 2012, Design is Dead started a
collaboration with Close the Gap to develop a new innovative and
coherent communication strategy.
DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean
freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and interna-
tional mail services to its customers. DHL accepts its corporate
social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster
management and education. In 2012 DHL put its knowledge
at Close the Gap’s disposal by offering training on customs
formalities and by advising Close the Gap’s partners abroad about
the import process.
Emakina is a full service digital native agency. Every day new
digital tools are opening up new ways of expression for brands.
Native to this world of complexity, Emakina fuses imagination
and innovation and orchestrates relevant points of convergence
to build brand experiences that engage consumers... Emakina
designed Close the Gap’s website and updates it regularly. In 2012
Emakina created Close the Gap’s end-of-year greetings.
Essent is the largest energy company in the Netherlands and also
operates in Germany and Belgium. Essent wants to help resolve
current and future societal issues. In 2012 Essent adopted ICT
projects in South Africa and Uganda.
Flection, an Arrow company, is an international company
specialised in reuse, data erasure, recycling and disposal of
IT equipment. Flection offers its services to Close the Gap at
competitive rates. Thanks to the collaboration with Flection, Close
the Gap is able to pick up computer assets in almost all industri-
alised countries with a professional guarantee for the quality of the
refurbishment process.
““At Deloitte Belgium we find it
important to make a distinctive
impact through our corporate social
responsibility projects.” ⸏
Mr. Rik VanpeteghemCEO Deloitte Belgium
Deloitte Belgium team in Tanzania
support Close the Gap
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTners
♥
DNS Belgium is a non-profit organisation founded
by Agoria, BELTUG and ISPA, and its mission is to
register .be domain names, make the Internet more
accessible and encourage its use. This also means
helping to close the digital divide among disadvan-
taged groups as well as stimulating the digital economy.
DNS Belgium has been supporting Close the Gap
financially since 2009. Overall, DNS Belgium has
allocated a fund that would provide 20,000 computers
over five years for educational projects in Belgium and
in the East African Community.
““For four years now we
have been partnering
with Close the Gap and
we look back on a very
fruitful collaboration. We
are still convinced that
ICT support for social,
medical and educational
projects in developing
and emerging countries
is crucial for further
economic and social
development.” ⸏
Mr. Philip Du BoisGeneral Manager DNS Belgium
“For four years now we have been partnering with Close the Gap and we look back
on a very fruitful collaboration. We are still convinced that ICT support for social,
medical and educational projects in developing and emerging countries is crucial for
further economic and social development. We are also staying very actively involved
in the support of non-profit organisations in Belgium. These organisations have one
common goal: to enhance employment amongst the most vulnerable people in society.
In 2012 we enabled 45 Belgian organisations to receive 501 computers and we are
aware that many more organisations need ICT equipment for their target groups.
Since 2011 we have gone a step further in our collaboration by raising awareness
about the digital divide in Belgium within other IT companies. That’s why we organise
“Bike to Close the Gap”, a yearly cycling event for the benefit of PC Solidarity. For
two years in a row now, the event has been a great success, generating a great sporting
and networking atmosphere. In 2012 40 companies with 208 cyclists participated in
the event. We hope to have even more companies in 2013 to be able to ensure our
continued support to PC Solidarity and Close the Gap!”
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTnerssuPPorT Close The gaP
♥
Geodis is a global logistics provider and wholly owned subsidiary
of the SNCF Group. The Group’s ability to coordinate all or part
of the logistics chain enables it to support its customers in their
strategic, geographical and technological developments, providing
them with solutions tailored to optimising their material and
information flows. To support its eco-citizen approach, Geodis
became a partner of Close the Gap in 2012. In addition to
financial support, Geodis organises meetings with its customers
and suppliers to promote the activities of Close the Gap, helping
the organisation to develop its network around the world.
Grant Thornton (previously PKF Business Advisors)
provides quality accounting and business advisory services. Grant
Thornton has committed its expertise to ensure the transparency
of Close the Gap’s finances through its extensive annual internal
auditing contribution.
ITpreneurs, the leading provider of competence development
solutions for IT best practices, announced its charitable
partnership with Close the Gap in 2012. Through this partnership,
the organisation will collaborate to provide technology resources
to developing countries. ITpreneurs also supported Close the Gap
through a financial contribution.
KBC Bank & Insurance is a Belgian universal multi-channel
bank that focuses on private clients and small- and medium-
sized enterprises. KBC belongs to Close the Gap’s largest donor
organisations.
It is Leo Burnett’s long-standing desire to use its passion, brains
and creative talent to inspire communication solutions for those who
are trying to address the most important social issues of our time.
Leo Burnett provided communication services for Close the Gap.
Microsoft develops, manufactures, licenses and supports a wide
range of products and services predominantly related to computing
through its various product divisions. In 2012 Microsoft supported
Close the Gap by providing software training and licences to
Belgian non-profit organisations supported by PC Solidarity.
The way we do our work is changing, so Out Of Office has
developed and implemented a new way of working for Close
the Gap that stimulates interaction and collaboration, sharing
information and knowledge, creativity and innovation. The new
offices will be ready in 2013.
Ricoh, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of
office automation equipment and document solutions, has been
supporting Close the Gap from its creation with its core business,
knowledge and products.
In 2012 Ricoh Belgium supplied printers to Belgian non-profit
organisations that received a computer donation through PC
Solidarity.
In addition to financial support, Ricoh Netherlands printed Close
the Gap’s annual report and other communication tools. Ricoh
Netherlands also donates used printers that, after refurbishment,
can be ordered by the projects.
Ricoh France is a strong asset for Close the Gap in its current
work to establish relations with French donor companies.
““We are very pleased to partner
with Close the Gap to further the
organisation’s mission.With our
aligned goal of promoting training
and education on a global level,
I am confident this will be a mutually
beneficial partnership.” ⸏
Sukhbir JasujaCEO ITpreneurs
support Close the Gap
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTners
♥
Rabobank Group is an international financial services
provider operating on the basis of cooperative principles.
It offers retail banking, wholesale banking, asset
management, leasing and real estate services. Rabobank
wants to help young people in developing countries to
obtain access to the digital world and simultaneously
solve the e-waste problem. The Dutch Rabobank
replaces about 15,000 ICT working places each year
as a result of Life Cycle Management. That’s why
Rabobank has started a major three-year partnership
with Close the Gap and aims to donate approximately
50,000 computers during this project period. Through a
partnership with Dell, Rabobank offers one e-Resource
Certificate for every computer donated.
This strategic cooperation with Close the Gap gives
Rabobank the opportunity to combine PC donations
with e-waste neutralisation.
““We hope and expect
that this initiative
to combine PC
donations with e-waste
neutralisation in
developing countries
will be adopted by other
donors and suppliers of
electronic equipment.” ⸏
Mr. René SteenvoordenCIO Rabobank Nederland
“We donate decommissioned computers to projects in developing countries for the
purpose of helping young people in developing countries obtain access to the digital
world community and thereby supporting them in their quest for a better future.
We have chosen the cooperation with Close the Gap because they have a track record
in PC donations and local support for users. The cooperation with Close the Gap
gives us the best possible assurance that our decommissioned PCs are redeployed
most effectively. And last but not least, our cooperation with Close the Gap gives
us the opportunity to jointly take an important step forward in solving the e-waste
problem in developing countries, to which our supplier Dell will contribute as well.
We hope and expect that this initiative to combine PC donations with e-waste
neutralisation in developing countries will be adopted by other donors and suppliers
of electronic equipment.”
Arusha Hady School, Tanzania
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTnerssuPPorT Close The gaP
♥
SAS Institute is the leader in business analytics software and
services, and the largest independent vendor in the business
intelligence market. SAS developed a tailor-made reporting tool
for Close the Gap that allows the organisation to extract several
reports.
Telenet Foundation supports social projects that promote digital
inclusion. In 2012 Close the Gap delivered computers to projects
which were selected through the Foundation. Moreover, Telenet
hosts Close the Gap’s e-mail.
Vintage is a pan-European communication agency. “One should
not only focus on the differences between people but look for
commonality and similarity.” This quote, from Theodore Levitt,
serves as the guiding principle of what Vintage stands for as a
communication agency. In 2012 Vintage supported Close the Gap
by maintaining the website of PC Solidarity.
The Flemish Interuniversity Council for University
Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS) supports research
and higher education institutions in the South through partner-
ships with Flemish universities and higher education institu-
tions. VLIR-UOS wants to improve the capacity of institutions
in the South. Close the Gap supplies computers to VLIR-UOS’
partner universities in developing countries and to social
projects supported by the South-based educational institutions.
VLIR-UOS guarantees sustainability by providing ICT
maintenance and training for local staff.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is Brussels’ Flemish
university and it welcomes more than 10,000 students every year.
It is through the support and expertise of the VUB that Close the
Gap was founded. The VUB provides Close the Gap with logistical
assistance by offering office space. Additionally, the office costs of
telecommunication, fax and postal services are partly sponsored
by the VUB.
neTworks
Close the Gap is pleased to announce it participated in various
networks in 2012. These networks offer knowledge and create
opportunities for Close the Gap to grow in terms of visibility,
contacts and computer donations.
CharITy, founded by ICT Media, aims to involve the Dutch IT
community in CSR projects. Using the intrinsic value of networks,
ideas, knowledge, expertise and partnerships, the foundation
strives to contribute more than just what is offered by their own
corporate (marketing communication) funds within existing CSR
initiatives or projects. In 2009 a pledge was signed to deliver
40,000 computer assets by the end of 2012. In September 2012
CharITy adjusted this target to an ambitious 50,000 computers
assets. The goal for the end of 2015 is to have the Dutch CIO
community deliver a total of 100,000 computer assets!
2009
0k
2012 2015
40k 50k 100k
Archbishop em. Desmond Tutu signs the CharITy pledge
support Close the Gap
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTners
♥
CompTIA is a US-based non-profit trade association that
advances the global interests of IT professionals and companies
throughout the world. CompTIA focuses its programmes on four
main areas: education, certification, advocacy and philanthropy.
One of its member communities, EU IT Services and Support,
supported Close the Gap in 2012 through a financial donation.
The Datacenter Group guarantees the safety, power supply
and connectivity of companies’ servers. They are specialised in
the specific security of data centres. Since 2012 The Datacenter
Group has been raising awareness of Close the Gap’s activities
within its network and giving clients the opportunity to support
Close the Gap financially.
The Executives’ Circle was founded with the purpose of
gathering the foremost business leaders and intellectual elite
within an exclusive forum that addresses today’s key management,
leadership and societal challenges. In 2012 the IT Executives’
Circle, an exclusive think tank comprising Belgium’s leading CIOs
and senior IT managers, continued the CIO-PE (CIO for Hope)
initiative launched in 2011. The Belgian companies collected
13,000 computer assets in one year, so exceeding the original goal
of 10,000 computer assets by the end of 2012.
Furthermore, Close the Gap is an active member of the networks
KAURI and MVO Nederland. Close the Gap is being supported
by and is in contact with following ICT and corporate social respon-
sibility networks: Agoria ICT, ADM, BELTUG, Business and
Society, CIO Europe, CSR Europe, Datanews, Educaid,
Ethicom, FINAKI, Lion’s Club, Rotary Clubs, PACE, StEP,
TechSoup and TEDx.
non-ProfiT ParTners
Stichting Gillès was established in 1991 with private funds
from the shareholders of Etap. The purpose of the foundation
is to support small-scale economic initiatives that increase the
autonomy of the local population. In 2012 Stichting Gillès collab-
orated with Close the Gap by supporting ICT4Education projects
in Rwanda and Tanzania.
The Jan van Ieperen Fonds supports social and community
activities financially as well as materially. The fund provides
assistance to people and initiatives that help individuals and
groups achieve a better living and/or work environment. In 2012
the Jan van Ieperen Fonds helped schoolchildren in Ghana receive
access to ICT education.
Stichting Liberty supports social projects financially. With
support of the Foundation, Close the Gap was able to set up a
revolving fund to pre-finance computer deliveries to Close the
Gap’s service partners in the East African Community.
support Close the Gap
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Thank you To our sTraTegiC ParTners
♥
07aCCounT-aBiliTy
Close the Gap’s Board of Directors, management and employees deliver the organisation’s five key mission values
to counsellors, strategic partners, donors, supporting partners and contacts on a daily basis:
Comfort when dealing with the donation process in terms of logistics.
Safety when dealing with the erasing (data wiping) process.
Reliability thanks to Grant Thornton’s external audit and Deloitte Belgium’s internal audit.
Transparency when dealing with all partners.
Environmentally sound when promoting its ‘zero e-waste’ policy with local partners.
Close The gaP’s values
AccountAbility
76
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Board of Directors Close the Gap is governed by an independent Board of Directors
and their primary function is to give advice and make recommen-
dations to the Managing Director about policies, strategies,
allocation of resources and legislative arrangements. In addition,
this board is responsible for giving its formal approval to major
strategic and organisational decisions taken within Close the Gap.
Board of RecommendationClose the Gap’s Board of Recommendation consists of eminent
people willing to vouch for and recommend Close the Gap within
their networks. This board is essential to the organisation in terms
of international support and visibility.
Remuneration CommitteeThe Remuneration Committee was established to ensure that
remuneration arrangements support the strategic aims of the
organisation and enable the recruitment, motivation and retention
of our staff, while complying with the requirements of regulatory
and governance bodies, and satisfying the expectations of
stakeholders and remaining consistent with the expectations of the
wider employee population.
The members of the Remuneration Committee are Prof. em. Dr.
Wim A. G. Blonk , Mr. André Bontems and Mr. Olivier Vanden
Eynde. They are appointed by the Board of Directors.
CounsellorsClose the Gap’s counsellors complement the Board of Directors
and consist of a number of persons from different countries willing
to support Close the Gap in terms of networking and visibility.
Counsellors do not have any legal authority but mainly act as
ambassadors for the organisation. They can undertake meaningful
and purposeful activities for support in terms of policy, planning,
evaluation, public relations and fundraising. Counsellors are active
in many countries within different sectors such as development,
education, health and microfinance.
Strategic PartnersClose the Gap could not exist without the daily support of its
strategic partner network. All the strategic partners support the
organisation through philanthropic activities in their specific fields.
Managing DirectorThe Board of Directors has entrusted the daily management to
Olivier Vanden Eynde, founder of the organisation, by means of a
management agreement. Two members of the Board of Directors
hold an annual evaluation session with the Managing Director
as part of an ongoing, collaborative inquiry to explore the daily
functioning of the Managing Director.
External auditSince transparency is a key component of a healthy organisation,
Close the Gap is audited on a yearly basis by Grant Thornton
Bedrijfsrevisoren - Réviseurs d'entreprises CVBA - SCRL Belgium
(previously known as PKF Business Advisors Belgium). The audit
is conducted in accordance with legal and statutory requirements
and provides assurance that the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. The audit process includes measuring
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by the management, as well as evaluation of the overall financial
statements. This allows the organisation to better inform the public
about how resources have been used.
Internal auditClose the Gap wants to be a reliable partner for its donors and
partners at all times. In order to ensure the transparent and
professional use of funds (raised by strategic partners, donors
and subsidiary governments), Deloitte supports Close the Gap
with internal audits, risk management and legal support, as well
as providing Deloitte experts to carry out all the accounting. A
biannual audit conducted by Deloitte oversees the entire technical
path to guarantee that the refurbishment and logistic track, as well
as the quality assurance of the equipment delivered to Close the
Gap projects, take place in a consistent and transparent way.
AccountAbility
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Audit and Budget CommitteesThe Audit and the Budget Committees come together once a
year. The Budget Committee gathers to prepare the budget for
the upcoming fiscal year with final approval provided by the Board
of Directors. The Audit Committee is organised, traditionally
during the month of May, to prepare the annual accounts together
with the external auditor Grant Thornton. The annual accounts
are then presented to the Board of Directors and the General
Assembly for final approval. The Audit Committee, as well as the
Budget Committee, consist of Mr. Guido Vandervorst, Mr. Michel
De Brauwer, Prof. em. Dr. Wim A. G. Blonk and Mr. Olivier
Vanden Eynde.
Technical CommitteeClose the Gap’s Technical Committee advises the Board of
Directors on various technical matters. In particular, this committee
advises on the development of environmentally-friendly and low
consuming technology solutions as well as in challenging Close
the Gap’s solutions in terms of green ICT hardware and software
solutions for developing countries. Mrs. Alessandra Azcarraga
Sepul, Mr. André Bontems, Prof. em. Dr. Wim A. G. Blonk and
Mr. Olivier Vanden Eynde are the members of this Committee.
Project managementThis entire process of transparency by internal and external
auditing is strengthened furthermore by Close the Gap’s policy
concerning its project management, which operates clearly
through a neutral and independent selection of projects based on
clearly defined criteria. The two guiding principles are the sustain-
ability of the project and the concept of local ownership by each
project beneficiary. This means that local partners are ultimately
responsible for the results of their supported activities. In most
cases, Close the Gap charges a modest contribution per computer
configuration, but exceptions can occur when external funds or
Close the Gap funds are available to bear the costs of a project.
To enhance the long-term self-supporting nature of its projects,
Close the Gap offers all-inclusive solutions to its partners,
including peripheral equipment, additional hardware and software
and capacity building programmes through various qualitative
partnerships, both local and international. The tools provided by
these partnerships lead to improved sustainable projects and help
to bring people together to exchange knowledge and experience. A
large number of projects have benefitted from these broad sources
of support, thereby securing a sustainable and independent
integration of Close the Gap equipment.
CommunicationHaving a well-developed and open communication strategy – both
in the short and the long term – is vital to an organisation like
Close the Gap. Therefore, a traceable communication path was
established over time to improve the organisation’s transparency.
This was done by providing information about every step in Close
the Gap’s process chain. In practice, this means that all communi-
cation matters are handled by the polyvalent Close the Gap team,
coordinated by the Managing Director, who makes sure that
all relevant information about projects executed, partnerships
and other facts are accessible through Close the Gap’s website,
newsletters and other communication channels.
Social entrepreneurshipIn the rapidly developing non-profit world, it is important for
an organisation to become self-sufficient rather than having to
depend entirely or partly on contributions or subsidies. Close the
Gap is aware of this and therefore operates as a social enterprise,
combining the passion of a social, philanthropic mission with
the very best of the for-profit enterprising world. It is, however,
important to mention that Close the Gap’s social and environ-
mental mission will always be central to all its activities.
Risk managementFor Close the Gap, it is important to focus its programmes on
long-term goals, since the digital divide cannot be bridged within
a day. This means it is important to build in financial assurance.
Close the Gap has various ways of dealing with the risk of
fluctuating income and the implications of this on the continuity
of its projects. The organisation manages financial risks through
a policy of spreading income. Income is obtained from multiple
sources, including individual donors, gifts from strategic partners
and institutional donors.
AccountAbility
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08finanCialrePorT
Close the Gap has financial transparency in its management in order to be able to account at any
given moment for the use of the funds assigned to the organisation, whether by third parties, companies, private
individuals or public authorities.
Project in Indonesia
Financial report
80
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By actively fundraising for financial and computer contribu-
tions, Close the Gap can guarantee its existence as a financially
self-supporting organisation and remain fully focused on its core
activities, namely helping organisations in developing countries to
continuously reduce the digital divide.
Close the Gap is a non-profit organisation partly funded by
financial donations from third parties such as companies,
governments and private individuals and partly funded by its
own operational activities, i.e. making computers available to
developing projects at cost price. If Close the Gap is unable to
use specific computers from donations, for example because of a
mismatch between quality and minimum specifications or because
of a significant short time overstock of unusable computers,
which would lead to high storage costs, the computers are offered
(commercially) to third-party brokerage firms or recycled, while
respecting any specific conditions agreed on with the donors. The
revenues generated (by means of revenue share), combined with
revenues generated from limited contributions from buyers of
hardware for development projects, allow Close the Gap to cover
its annual operational and administrative costs. Deloitte regularly
audits the revenue share process at Close the Gap and any third
parties involved to ensure proper reporting and accurate handling
of this process. The money generated is used to support sustainable
projects in developing countries where there is a clear need for IT
solutions but where no (or very small) budgets are available to pay
for the out-of-pocket expenses for the refurbished computers. In
this way, Close the Gap is one of the organisations able to provide
beneficiary partners in developing countries with co-funding, as
well as invest in innovative solutions with its partners to tackle the
digital divide effectively.
In order to keep its operational costs as low as possible, Close the
Gap mainly relies on in-kind contributions for most of its activities.
The Board of Directors guarantees that all donations to Close
the Gap projects are handled in a professional manner and are
completely free of profit. In order to guarantee that all sponsoring
funds are used as intended, Close the Gap is audited on a yearly
basis by the registered and independent auditor Grant Thornton.
Financial report
81
📎
BalanCe sheeT 31/12/2012 31/12/2011 31/12/2010 31/12/2009 31/12/2008
asseTs
fixed asseTs 15,460.18 15,867.62 12,239.74 11,455.24 11,188.20
intangible assets 0.00 0.00 1,666.66 3,333.33
Tangible assets 15,460.18 15,867.62 10,573.08 8,121.91 11,188.20
Plant, machinery and equipment 402.22 900.32 989.83 1,288.80 1,852.21
furniture and vehicles 13,125.96 12,759.30 7,099.25 6,833.11 9,335.99
other tangible fixed assets 1,932.00 2,208.00 2,484.00
CurrenT asseTs 5,517,578.36 5,559,033.89 4,864,011.48 4,016,610.62 3,070,073.08
stocks and contracts in progress 1 1 1 1 1
stocks 1 1 1 1 1
goods purchased for resale 1 1 1 1 1
amounts receivable within one year 960,809.51 778,536.89 356,668.57 461,702.59 276,474.82
Trade debtors 788,671.20 741,099.04 291,731.11 381,278.93 251,963.28
other amounts receivable 172,138.31 37,437.85 64,937.46 80,423.66 24,511.54
Cash at bank and in hand 4,478,351.07 4,692,292.10 4,466,734.24 3,456,785.49 2,785,320.44
vlir-iCT, dns fund 1,871,671.67 2,346,735.72 3,060,765.79 2,242,792.29 1,594,320.70
own Cash 2,606,679.40 2,345,556.38 1,405,968.45 1,213,993.20 1,190,999.74
deferred charges and accrued income 78,416.78 88,203.90 40,607.67 98,121.54 8,276.82
ToTal asseTs 5,533,038.54 5,574,901.51 4,876,251.22 4,028,065.86 3,081,261.28
BalanCe sheeT
liaBiliTies
CaPiTal and reserves 2,658,014.60 2,423,925.57 1,851,128.12 1,628,908.90 1,384,405.24
association's funds 9,461.62 9,461.62 9,461.62 9,461.62 9,461.62
starting Capital 9,461.62 9,461.62 9,461.62 9,461.62 9,461.62
funds allocated by Close The gap 584,503.48 589,719.25 498,126.24 655,070.47 639,603.47
result carried forward 2,064,049.50 1,824,744.70 1,343,540.26 964,376.81 735,340.15
Provisions 35,064.63 97,197.42 67,887.10 54,059.25
Provisions for liabilities and charges 35,064.63 97,197.42 67,887.10 54,059.25
CrediTors 2,839,959.31 3,053,778.52 2,957,236.00 2,345,097.71 1,696,856.04
amounts payable within one year 2,443,325.12 2,595,068.04 2,323,452.09 1,570,172.26 223,063.02
financial debts
Trade debts 313,880.07 534,633.15 288,932.96 270,058.57 164,102.89
suppliers 313,880.07 534,633.15 288,932.96 270,058.57 164,102.89
advances received on contracts in progress 2,090,927.88 2,033,899.71 1,999,412.06 1,247,341.65 0.00
Taxes, renumeration, and social security taxes 38,517.17 19,935.18 35,107.07 51,108.40 57,296.49
Taxes 0.00 0.05 3,651.60 6,081.94 31,315.30
renumeration and social security 38,517.17 19,935.13 31,455.47 45,026.46 25,981.19
other amounts payable 0.00 6,600.00 1,663.64 1,663.64
accrued charges and different income 396,634.19 458,710.48 633,783.91 774,925.45 1,473,793.02
ToTal liaBiliTies 5,533,038.54 5,574,901.51 4,876,251.22 4,028,065.86 3,081,261.28
inCome sTaTemenTs
operating income a 1,752,669.28 1,851,958.90 1,979,014.44 1,629,270.85 1,588,984.83
Turnover 1,516,977.10 1,457,542.55 1,512,524.03 1,136,135.82 1,112,344.89
Contributions, donations, grants, etc 206,918.15 384,954.64 406,743.55 483,514.67 449,774.88
other operating income 28,774.03 9,461.71 59,746.86 9,620.36 26,865.06
operating charges (-) 1,621,425.13 1,305,011.34 1,778,996.59 1,347,811.89 1,359,899.65
intermediate consumption B 1,241,186.57 973,842.05 1,231,256.80 1,023,368.15 1,089,587.63
raw materials, consumables and goods for resale 840,042.38 667,479.35 923,309.95 730,505.37 773,879.97
Purchases 600/8 840,042.38 667,479.35 923,309.95 730,505.37 773,879.97
increase (-); decrease(+) in stocks
services and other goods 401,144.19 306,362.70 307,946.85 292,862.78 315,707.66
gross margin (Pos result) a-B 511,482.71 878,116.85 747,757.64 605,902.70 499,397.20
remunerations, social security costs and pensions 336,953.38 214,442.51 211,688.33 202,613.28 187,298.75
depreciation of and amounts written off formations expenses intangible and tangible fixed assets
5,918.16 5,896.21 6,856.52 6,042.96 6,106.10
Provisions for liabilities and charges: appropritions (+/-)
-62,132.79 29,310.32 13,827.85 54,059.25
other operating charges 37,367.02 110,830.57 329,194.94 115,787.50 76,907.17
operating result (+) 193,376.94 517,637.24 186,190.00 227,399.71 229,085.18
financial income 42,507.78 56,677.25 39,253.90 18,184.42 26,072.49
income from current assets 42,012.78 55,996.83 39,078.32 17,966.98 23,631.70
other financial income 495.00 680.42 175.58 217.44 2,440.79
financial charges (-) -1,795.69 -1,517.04 -3,224.68 -1,080.47 -3,131.23
interest nad other debt charge 43.65 0.00 1,924.72 22.21 205.92
other financial charges 1,752.04 1,517.04 1,299.96 1,058.26 2,925.31
result on ordinary activities (+) 234,089.03 572,797.45 222,219.22 244,503.66 252,026.44
extraordinary income (+) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
write-back of depreciations
result for the year (+) 234,089.03 572,797.45 222,219.22 244,503.66 252,026.44
result for the period allocated to funds (-) 15,467.00 9,630.00
resulT for The Period To Be Carried forward (+) 234,089.03 572,797.45 222,219.22 229,036.66 242,396.44
Financial report
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09visionof ThefuTure
“With the passing of another year, it is a real privilege for me as
Founder and Managing Director of this inspiring organisation
to share some insights into the future with all our members,
stakeholders and the wider public. 2013 will be a transitional
year, with key moments for reflecting on a new era for Close the
Gap. In September 2013, Close the Gap will celebrate its official
10th anniversary. An ideal moment for Close the Gap’s Board of
Directors and management team to shape fundamental ideas for
the future. The road to 2020 has started and I’m excited that I can
share some insights into our new strategy with you and work with
you in the coming years to jointly walk this path!
First of all, we’re looking at ‘evolution’, not revolution. Close the
Gap’s model is based on a demand-driven mechanism and the
facts and figures clearly show that the organisation is still adding
value through its mainstream activities. The demand for computers
is still increasing every year.
Therefore the aim is to continue to do what our various
stakeholders expect us to and, on top of that, to envisage some
key future elements that will without a doubt be requested by our
project partners and stakeholders in the coming years.
As a major player operating in the rapidly evolving ICT sector with
the ambitious goal of closing the digital divide, it is key for Close
the Gap to closely follow all trends and changes in this market,
respond to these accordingly and adapt its business model to
safeguard its mission if necessary.
A recent example was the creation of WorldLoop. Close the Gap
realised that the environmental sustainability of ICT projects was
becoming increasingly important to its stakeholders, so we decided
to lead the way in promoting environmentally sound take-back
and recycling services for e-waste in developing countries.
Looking back, this step proved to be a big success for Close the
Gap. It secured the environmental sustainability of its projects and
answered any possible criticisms of the operational model, while at
the same time providing significant environmental benefits.
Close the Gap is active in developing countries with challenging
conditions and increasingly realises that if it truly wants to
accomplish its mission and bridge the digital divide for the 1
billion people at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid and
help end-users in remote areas, then it can no longer focus solely
on providing ICT hardware.
Over the past years, Close the Gap has identified the need for an
integrated service offering (ISO), and proposed a total package
of products and services needed in order for its target audience
in developing countries to gain access to ICT. The components
of this package can be offered either by Close the Gap itself or
through strategic partnerships and alliances with other organisa-
tions or companies.
vision of the future
86
Some of these products and services have already been part of
customised offerings to project beneficiaries. However, Close the
Gap wants to extend this service in a consistent way in its focus
countries.
Through various pilot projects Close the Gap, together with its
Board of Directors, is evaluating the impact and efficiency of the
following products and services:
• POWER - Any ICT device needs power. In many developing
countries, only a small part of Close the Gap’s targeted
end-users are connected to the electricity grid. In rural areas
especially, grid connectivity is a real challenge. The powering
of ICT equipment should always be considered as part of
the end-user’s total power needs (ICT, lighting, etc.) and be
adapted to local conditions (grid access, wind conditions,
amount of sun, etc). Possible options are the electricity grid,
fossil fuels, solar energy, wind energy, biomass, biofuel and
geothermal energy.
• INTERNET CONNECTIVITY - Today, access to ICT
without Internet connectivity would be unimaginable to us,
so why should this be any different for projects in developing
countries? Access to the Internet is a vital component of
effectively bridging the digital divide. Therefore this connection
should be part of the standard package of products and
services. Possible options are cable, DSL, satellite and 3G.
• ICT HARDWARE - Close the Gap initially started by
providing personal computers for projects, but due to rapid
changes in the ICT sector the scope of the equipment offered
has already widened and will be further evaluated. Possible
options include personal computers (desktops/laptops),
servers, thin clients, notebooks, notepads, tablets, smartphones,
network hubs, modems, printers, scanners, MFPs, etc.
Over the years, Close the Gap has become a key actor in terms
of computer refurbishment, sustainability of ICT projects and
e-waste management. So it has gained expertise that makes
it ideal for playing an increasing role as a knowledge centre for
ICT4DEV. The idea is gaining ground that Close the Gap should
be an umbrella organisation or a network-weaving organisation,
encompassing the different practical and theoretical fields of
ICT4DEV to play a leading role in meeting environmental and
social challenges with all the latest technological tools at its
disposal. Close the Gap would then provide a sustainable and
scientifically based all-round solution for ICT4DEV issues.
Our mission is to help shape the ICT projects we encourage,
enabling a growing positive impact on the end-users and ensuring
access to new technologies in a safe and trusted environment.
At Close the Gap, we strongly believe that solutions to improve
living standards are at hand, fuelled by scientific research and
ICT. We are optimistic, but we still retain a sense of reality. In
2013, Close the Gap will strive to implement the above-mentioned
priorities, pragmatically translating them into measurable
and effective day-to-day activities. Together with our Board of
Directors, no effort will be spared to remain true to our mission
of being the initiator of ethically and sustainably acceptable ICT
projects for development, thereby creating a worldwide federation
based on Close the Gap’s values, experience and strengths.
2013 will be a key year to leverage our competences, together with
our peer organisations, to become partners of larger initiatives in
the field of ICT4DEV, initiated by incubators such as the European
Union, the United Nations, the World Bank, and foundations and
corporations operating worldwide in our industry. We would like
to create or co-create initiatives by making funds available for
useful and necessary project developments that serve our vision
and lead to social return on
investment (SRI). Innovation
that serves as a ‘tool and
instrument’ for Close the
Gap’s mission will become a
strong pillar throughout our
value proposition. I trust that
a constructive dialogue with
our stakeholders can shape
this futuristic vision into
concrete reality.”⸏
Olivier Vanden EyndeFounder and Managing Director Close the Gap
vision of the future
87
10ConTaCTdeTails
Close the Gap Int. vzw/asbl
Registration number: 860353772
Close the Gap visitor address
Pleinlaan 5
1050 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 614 81 60
Fax: +32 (0)2 611 60 69
Close the Gap’s administrative address
p/a Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Faculteit ESP
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
Belgium
Bank details
Account number: 001-4128329-85
Bank: BNP Paribas Fortis
IBAN code: BE89001412832985
SWIFT/BIC: GEBABEBB
VAT number Belgium: BE 0860 353 772
VAT number the Netherlands: NL 8153.23.062.B01
Website: www.close-the-gap.org
E-mail:
To donate your IT equipment:
To apply for a project:
For communication and press enquiries:
For general questions and information:
contact details
88
📞
Close the Gap International vzw/asbl
c/o Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Composition
Overall coordination: Ms. Joëlle Verriest, Close the Gap
PR, Communication & Office Manager
English adaptation and proofreading: Ms. Nirmala Patel
Financial Information
Grant Thornton (External Auditor)
Deloitte (Accountant)
Editor
Close the Gap International vzw/asbl
Pictures
© Close the Gap International
Photo Filip Moorsele (Philippe Leyssens)
Prof. em. Dr. Wim Blonk
E-waste pictures in Ghana: Mr. Mathieu Vervynct
All pictures in this document are genuinely related to Close the Gap projects.
Creation and layout
Design is Dead
Artwork & photoengraving
Ricoh Netherlands
Printing
Ricoh Netherlands
A special thanks to Design is Dead, Ricoh Netherlands and Ms. Nirmala Patel
for their support in making this annual report happen.
90
ColoPhon